Abeyance – a state of not being used at the moment

(Pronounced uh-bay-uhns)

To remember the definition of the word abeyance, use the following mnemonic:

At the bay, she saw at a glance (abeyance) it was completely empty – it was not being used at all at the moment.

Examples of abeyance in a sentence

Her cancer had been in abeyance for three years so she finally got the all-clear.

Janes prison sentence was put in abeyance after her helpful testimony.

The vote was in abeyance until every member of parliament was present.