abeyance

abey·ance

noun \ə-ˈbā-ən(t)s\

Definition of ABEYANCE

1

: a lapse in succession during which there is no person in whom a title is vested

2

: temporary inactivity : suspension

— abey·ant \-ənt\ adjective

Examples of ABEYANCE

1. <our weekend plans were held in abeyance until we could get a weather forecast>

Origin of ABEYANCE

Anglo-French, from Old French abaer to expect, await, literally, to gape, from a- + baer to gape, yawn — more at BAY

First Known Use: 1640

Related to ABEYANCE

Synonyms: cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension

Antonyms: continuance, continuation

Related Words: inaction, inertia, inertness, motionlessness; impasse, standstill; coma, hibernation, hypnosis, repose, rest, sleep, slumber, torpor; recess, recession, remission; downtime, idleness, layoff

Near Antonyms: recommencement, renewal, resumption, resuscitation

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi