abstain

[ab-steyn]

verb (used without object)

1. to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).

   to abstain from eating meat.

   Synonyms: cease, desist, forbear
   Antonyms: indulge

2. to refrain from casting one's vote.

   a referendum in which two delegates abstained.

abstain

/ əbˈsteɪn /

verb

1. to choose to refrain

   he abstained from alcohol

2. to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonabstaining adjective
• overabstain verb (used without object)
• abstainer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstain¹

1350–1400; Middle English abste ( i ) nen < Middle French abstenir ≪ Latin abstinēre, equivalent to abs- abs- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold, keep

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstain¹

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- _ab- ¹ + tenēre to hold, keep

Example Sentences

He had some contact with mental health services that year and was warned to abstain from cannabis, which he had smoked since 2014.

From BBC

The net outcome of the past week’s diplomatic huddles will be Putin buying time for his aggression as Washington abstains from sanctions hoping for peace.

From Los Angeles Times

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who abstained from the vote, questioned the point of a motion that would almost certainly land them in front of a judge.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, only 175 voted in favour; 360 voted against and 18 abstained.

From BBC

Maybe abstaining while calling on white people to get involved can work, he added.

From Salon

Related Words

• cease 
• forgo 
• pass up 
• quit 
• refrain 
• renounce 
• shun 
• withhold