Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

abeyance

noun [U]
 
 
/əˈbeɪ.əns/ formal

Definition

a state of not happening or being used at present: Hostilities between the two groups have been in abeyance since last June. The project is being held in abeyance until agreement is reached on funding it.Pauses and interludes
(Definition of abeyance noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

throw caution to the wind/winds

to do something without worrying about the risk or negative results

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More