Abstaining from voting or renouncing a right; withdrawing from participation in a contest or vote.
会議で賛否が分かれたため、彼は棄権した。
He abstained at the meeting because opinions were divided.
選手はケガのため大会を棄権した。
The athlete withdrew from the tournament due to injury.
議長は議案について棄権の意向を示した。
The chair indicated an intention to abstain from the motion.