abeyance
noun
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Definition of abeyance
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Other Words from abeyance
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adjective
Synonyms & Antonyms for abeyance
Synonyms
cold storage, deep freeze, doldrums, dormancy, holding pattern, latency, moratorium, quiescence, suspended animation, suspense, suspension
Antonyms
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Examples of abeyance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Failing that, a foreclosure case filed by the town — but held in abeyance so a site plan could be developed — will go forward. — David Lyons, sun-sentinel.com, "Lauderdale-by-the-Sea resort plan would cut off beach street," 26 June 2019 Perhaps the worst feature of the Internet age is that skepticism and criticism of advertising’s moral and political effect on society has gone into abeyance, even as advertising has become even more central to the business model of digital media. — Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, "The Move to Reclaim Privacy," 18 June 2019 As a result of that investigation, Best demoted Poblocki from sergeant to officer last year and suspended him for 15 days without pay, with five days held in abeyance. — Steve Miletich, The Seattle Times, "Sources: Seattle police chief feared she could be overturned on a technicality if she fired officer who lied," 13 June 2019 Even if the two sides manage to put punitive tariffs in abeyance, harder to resolve will be many of the Chinese trade practices the U.S. says are unfair, including the coercive transfer of technology. — Trefor Moss, WSJ, "Boeing Flies Close to Trade Tussle With New Facility in China," 15 Dec. 2018 Right after the presidents’ dinnertime parlay, Chinese officials said the two sides agreed to put tariffs in abeyance to negotiate a settlement but offered few other details then and in the days since. — WSJ, "China Breaks Its Silence on 90-Day U.S. Tariff Truce," 5 Dec. 2018 The merger would have held that in abeyance for three years. — Joshua Stewart, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Merger of two big Southern California food worker unions hits snag," 12 July 2018 The Obama presidency put some of those factional fights into abeyance, but Bernie Sanders’s 2016 campaign renewed infighting and scrambled the factional lines. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, "Netroots Nation, explained," 2 Aug. 2018 The judges’ comments came as the court voted yesterday to hold the case in abeyance for another 60 days. — Niina Heikkinen, Scientific American, "Court Becoming Impatient with EPA Over Clean Power Plan," 27 June 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abeyance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for abeyance
abeyance
nounFinancial Definition of abeyance
What It Is
In the strictest terms, abeyance means temporary inactivity. In the finance world, the term generally refers to unknown ownership.
How It Works
Let's say John Doe owns an empty lot in City XYZ. He dies without a will or trust in place. John's brother, cousin, uncle and best friend all claim that John told them they could inherit the lot.
While the matter goes through probate, the lot is in abeyance. That is, it is unclear who owns the property. Accordingly, it is unclear who is responsible for the upcoming property tax payment or for the outcome of the lawsuit John was facing from a person who was hurt while trespassing on John's property.
Why It Matters
Courts often deem assets in abeyance when ownership is unclear. People also set up trusts that do not convey assets until the beneficiary fulfills certain obligations (for instance, no money for the grandson until he completes college or reaches age 30).
Source: Investing Answers
abeyance
noun
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Medical Definition of abeyance
abeyance
noun
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Legal Definition of abeyance
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