The definition of abstention is the act of purposely not doing something.
(noun)1. An example of abstention is when a Congressman chooses not to vote on an issue. 2. An example of abstention is refraining from drinking alcohol.
See abstention in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
Origin: L abstentio < abstinere, abstain
Related Forms:
See abstention in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Origin:
Origin: Late Latin abstentiō, abstentiōn-
Origin: , from abstentus
Origin: , past participle of Latin abstinēre, to hold back; see abstain
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