Definitions:

1. Implies that the situation or condition is paused and may resume in the future. NOUN
   • After the CEO's resignation, the company's expansion plans were held in abeyance.
2. In law, can describe a situation where the rightful ownership or a property or title is not determined or temporarily held by someone until the true owner is identified. NOUN
   • The inheritance remained in abeyance until the court could determine the rightful heir.
3. Refers to the temporary cessation or suspension of an activity or function. NOUN
   • The project was put in abeyance due to lack of funding.
4. Used to indicate that something is temporarily inactive or deferred. NOUN
   • Her plans to travel abroad are in abeyance until she saves enough money.

Synonyms:

• dormancy
• intermission
• quiescence
• recess
• suspension