Meaning & Definition of word "Abstain"
to
Abstain
/əbˈsteɪn/
verb:
- 1. To refrain from doing something by one's own choice.
- Example: She decided to abstain from alcohol during her training.
- 2. To hold back from voting; to choose not to participate in a vote.
- Example: During the election, he chose to abstain rather than cast his vote.
- 3. To deliberately choose not to engage in a specific behavior or activity.
- Example: They were advised to abstain from using their phones while studying.
- 4. To refrain from some activity, especially one deemed undesirable or harmful.
- Example: Many doctors recommend that patients abstain from smoking.
- 5. To voluntarily refrain from doing something.
- Example: In order to improve her health, she decided to abstain from junk food.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin abstinere, from ab- 'from' + tenere 'to hold'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of abstain
Meaning: to pass on something
Example Sentence: I'm going to abstain from dessert tonight.
Meaning: to sit one out
Example Sentence: She decided to abstain from the drinking game.