Abeyance - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT abeyance /əˈbeɪəns/ IPA guide

An abeyance is a temporary halt to something, with the emphasis on "temporary." It is usually used with the word "in" or "into"; "in abeyance" suggests a state of waiting or holding.

The word abeyance has a legal ring to it, and for a good reason — appearing in English in the 16th century, it comes from the Anglo-French word abeiance, a legal term for waiting or hoping to receive property. Nowadays, the word is used in a similar way. Different legal rights, like property rights, can be held in abeyance until matters are resolved.

Definitions of abeyance

noun temporary cessation or suspension synonyms: suspension see moresee less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... cold storage in a state of abeyance or postponement deferral, recess a state of abeyance or suspended business moratorium suspension of an ongoing activity stand-down, standdown a suspension and relaxation from an alert state or a state of readiness type of: inaction, inactiveness, inactivity the state of being inactive

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