- 1[countable, uncountable] abstention (from something) an act of choosing not to use a vote either in favor of or against something The voting was 15 in favor, 3 against, and 2 abstentions. Voter abstention is seen as the only real form of dissent in elections.
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- 2[uncountable] (formal) the act of not allowing yourself to have or do something enjoyable or something that is considered bad The Church insisted on abstention from all luxuries. see abstain
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