abeyance

a-bey-ance · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A state of temporary suspension or inactivity; often used in the phrase "in abeyance."

  2. 2.

    (Law) A condition of undetermined ownership or suspension of a right.

Related words

Antonyms: activity, operation
See also: dormant, pending, suspension
Synonyms: dormancy, latency, suspension

Etymology

From Old French abeance (expectation), from abeer (to gape at, aspire to).