abstain

[ ab-steyn ]

verb (used without object)

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

   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

Derived Forms

• abˈstainer, noun

Other Words From

• nonab·staining adjective
• over·ab·stain verb (used without object)

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

In fact, I publicly vowed to abstain from The Ball in 2012, but professional responsibilities and curiosity got the better of me.

From The Daily Beast

But the two also could abstain from caucusing with either party and possibly have even more clout.

From The Daily Beast

So is everyone around you, even if you find a way to abstain.

From The Daily Beast

Pollsters have been predicting disillusioned leftist voters are particularly likely to abstain.

From The Daily Beast

Users then have the option to vote for or against each law, or simply abstain.

From The Daily Beast

It is not the right of any one, according to his pleasure, to abstain from entering into Covenant with God.

From Project Gutenberg

Let it be put forth in leading to abstain from countenancing an evil constitution, and to raise above the fear of consequences.

From Project Gutenberg

So the campers obtained fresh meat, and all were very glad to abstain awhile from bacon.

From Project Gutenberg

It is therefore obligatory upon us to abstain as far as possible from referring to expressions that are calculated to alarm.

From Project Gutenberg

In concluding this notice of Roe, I cannot refrain from expressing a hope that gentlemen will abstain from the use of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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