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

Twelve voted against it, with seven in favour and one abstaining.

Read more on BBC

Ms Davies-Jones said she had not abstained but had been out of the country at the time.

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“Three for, three against, one abstained. Seems we have a tie, Quinzy.”

Read more on Literature

Specifically, how Gray in September abstained from voting on a bill that would have prevented the shutdown.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There were 13 votes in favour of the text and none against, with Russia and China both abstaining but not deploying their veto as permanent members.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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