abstentionism UK /əbˈstɛn.ʃn̩.ɪz.m̩/US /æbˈstɛn.ʃn̩.ɪz.m̩/ noun1 •A policy of abstaining or of the desirability of withholding one's vote or other participation with regard to some aspect of the political process.Abstentionism is a manifestation of political independence. formsabstentionisms