Abstention (noun)

1. The act of abstaining, or refraining from doing something.
2. A decision not to vote in an election or on a proposal.

Origin:

From latin abstentiō ("abstention"), from abstineō ("i hold back, abstain"), from ab- ("away from") + tenēre ("to hold").

Examples:

1. Her abstention from alcohol helped her to be more productive.
2. The abstention of several key members of the committee led to the proposal's defeat.
3. The abstention rate in the presidential election was quite high.
4. His abstention from the vote caused much speculation and controversy.
5. His abstention from the meeting was deemed as a form of protest.