'abstention' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abstinentia,' where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'tenere' meant 'to hold.'

'abstinentia' transformed into the Old French word 'abstention,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abstention' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of holding oneself back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'refraining from voting or an activity.'