ABEYANCE(NOUN)|Meaning and Definition of Abeyance by Learn English

Definition:

• 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.
• A state of temporary disuse or suspension or a state of latency/dormancy.

Synonyms:

Suspension, Remission, Unresolved, Inaction, Inertia, Inertness, Motionless, Impasse, Standstill, Hibernation, Hypnosis, Repose, Recess, Downtime, Idleness, Layoff, Rest, Slumber, Torpor, Coma, Cold storage, Doldrums, Moratorium, Deep freeze, Latency, Quiescence, Suspense, Inactivity, Intermission, Postponement, Interruption, Interval, Break-off, Cease, Breather, Close, Let-up, Pause, Respite, Cutoff, Screaming halt, Stoppage, Discontinuance, Conclusion, Lay-off, Desistance, Freeze, Grinding halt, Termination, Hiatus, Time off, Time-out, Abeyance, Dormancy, Parenthesis, Interlude, Hitch, Interim, Breach, Obstacle, Disconnection, Obstruction, Delay, Blackout.

Near Synonyms of Abeyance:

Reserve, Pending, Deferred, Unattended, Unfinished, Incomplete, Unresolved, Undermined, Adjourn, Interrupt, Shelve, Arrest, Intermit, Prorogue, Hold over, Put aside, Pigeonhole, Reschedule, Dissolve, Disband, Lull, Stay, Interregnum, Gap, Split, Rift, Division, Hindrance, Reprieve, Pause, Ban, Truce, Covert, Rudimentary, Concealed, Torpid, Immature, Implied, Inactive, Inert, Underlying, Inferential, Unexposed, Inoperative, Intrinsic, Unexpressed, Unripe, Unseen, Veiled, Lurking, Inherent, invisible, Passive, Vestigial.

Antonyms:

Continuation, Operation, Activity, Action, Revival, Renewal, Resuscitation, Resumption, Continuance, Recommencement, Continuing, Enjoyment, Possession, Exercise, Force, In hand, Underway, Resume.

Idioms related to Abeyance:

1. Hold (something) in abeyance
2. In abeyance
3. Hold with
4. Hold off doing
5. Hold off from doing (something)
6. Get hold off
7. Get hold of (one)
8. Get hold of somebody/something
9. Up in the air
10. Betwixt and between
11. On the back burner
12. On ice
13. Hanging fire
14. Call a halt to
15. Take a rain check on

Examples of Abeyance in Sentences:

1. The vote is to be held in abeyance until all committee members are present.
2. The regulations fell into abeyance after the 12th century, and such inscriptions are very rare.
3. The last may be considered in abeyance as there has not been any coronation banquet since that of George IV.
4. Then the Sudan was abandoned and the railway remained in abeyance until 1905-1906, when the line was at length built.
5. It is more probably abeyance of external function during a periodic internal assimilatory phase.
6. It consisted of the sovereign and eight knights companions, and fell into abeyance at the Revolution of 1688.
7. For some time thereafter the office was in abeyance, but under Arabic rule there was a considerable revival of its dignity.
8. It is intended to reactive this project, which has been in abeyance for some time.
9. She petitioned the king to terminate the abeyance in her favor.
10. Statutes were granted in 1476, but the order fell into abeyance at the extinction of the Dynasty.
11. Since the divorcing couple was unable to agree on a financial settlement, the judge placed the case in abeyance until an agreement could be reached.
12. Because of Justin’s helpful testimony, the judge agreed to an abeyance of his sentence.
13. Due to budget cuts, employer contributions to retirement accounts are being put in abeyance.
14. Jane’s cancer has returned after being in abeyance for nearly two years.
15. Until the judge determined that the evidence could be used in the trial, it was held in abeyance.

Origin and Etymology of Abeyance:

Late 16th century (in the legal sense): from old French abeance ‘aspiration to a title’, from abeer ‘aspire after’ , from a- ‘towards’ + beer ‘to gape’.