Abstention
/æbˈstɛn.ʃən/noun
The act of refraining from something, especially from voting or participating.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, abstention was sometimes seen as a strategic move in political power plays, where not participating could sway outcomes even more than a vote.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
abstentionem
“The act of holding back or refraining.”
Old French
Old French
abstention
“A term borrowed to describe the act of refraining from participation.”
14th Century
Middle English
abstencioun
“The act of abstaining from something.”
Modern English
English
abstention
“The formal term for the act of abstaining, especially in voting contexts.”