First Known Use: 1521
Dictionary
abstention
noun ab·sten·tion \əb-ˈsten(t)-shən, ab-\
: the act of choosing not to do or have something
: a formal refusal to vote on something
Full Definition of ABSTENTION
: the act or practice of abstaining
— ab·sten·tious \-shəs\ adjective
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Origin of ABSTENTION
Late Latin abstention-, abstentio, from Latin abstinēre
Rhymes with ABSTENTION
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