Abstain

/əbˈsteɪn/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To refrain from doing something by one's own choice.

She decided to abstain from alcohol during her training.

To hold back from voting; to choose not to participate in a vote.

During the election, he chose to abstain rather than cast his vote.

To deliberately choose not to engage in a specific behavior or activity.

They were advised to abstain from using their phones while studying.

To refrain from some activity, especially one deemed undesirable or harmful.

Many doctors recommend that patients abstain from smoking.

To voluntarily refrain from doing something.

In order to improve her health, she decided to abstain from junk food.

Late Middle English: from Latin abstinere, from ab- 'from' + tenere 'to hold'.

abstain from voting

to choose not to vote on a particular issue or proposal.

abstain from alcohol

to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages.

abstain from temptation

to resist the urge to indulge in something enticing.

abstinence

the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or food.

abstainer

a person who abstains from something, especially alcoholic drinks.

forbearance

the act of refraining from exercising a legal right, especially enforcing a debt or obligation.

to pass on something

I'm going to abstain from dessert tonight.

to sit one out

She decided to abstain from the drinking game.