# abstention

/æbˈstɛntʃən/ (US) · /ɐbstˈɛnʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstention
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the act of choosing not to do something, especially not to vote or not to have sex. It is a formal word used in politics or when talking about personal habits.

For teachers: the act of refraining from a particular action, such as voting or sexual activity. Often used in legal or political contexts to describe a formal refusal to participate.

## Examples

- The candidate's refusal to vote was a clear act of abstention.
- The committee's decision was made by a narrow margin, with several members choosing the path of abstention.
- In many cultures, a period of sexual abstention is observed as a ritual of purification or a sign of respect for a higher power.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.