Abeyance

Meaning

A state of temporary suspension or dormancy, pending resumption or resolution.

Origin / Etymology

From Anglo-French *abeance* (expectation, suspension), from Old French *abeer* (to gape, aspire towards), from Latin *ad-* (towards) + *batare* (to gape).

Synonyms

Suspension Dormancy Latency

Antonyms

Continuation Activation Operation

Example Sentence

"India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack marked the first formal pause of the 1960 pact in over six decades."

🎯 UPSC Usage

GS2 (India-Pakistan relations, treaty obligations under international law): use when discussing suspension of bilateral mechanisms, dispute resolution, or constitutional provisions kept in abeyance.

Relevant Subjects

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