Synonyms

abstain

American

[ab-steyn] / æbˈsteɪn /

verb (used without object)

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
to refrain from casting one's vote.

a referendum in which two delegates abstained.

abstain British

/ əbˈsteɪn /

verb

to choose to refrain

he abstained from alcohol
to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

abstainer noun
nonabstaining adjective
overabstain verb (used without object)

Etymology

Origin of abstain

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Most voters our columnist spoke with are following the new rule to watch everything, or abstaining from certain categories.

From Los Angeles Times

A total of 135 MPs voted in favour, zero against and three abstained.

From BBC

If they support the motion or abstain, Reform would not have the numbers necessary to keep Finch in post.

From BBC

European diplomats said it had been unclear until shortly before the vote whether Washington would again abstain or oppose it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstained from the vote, arguing the county could not address the death rate without building a new facility.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023