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

Argentina, which in April abstained from the vote, now opposes the deal.

Read more on Barron's

The UK and most EU nations voted to continue the talks, but some countries including Greece went against the EU bloc and voted to abstain.

Read more on BBC

Pacific Island states, which abstained in the initial vote over concerns the proposal was not ambitious enough, are now expected to support it.

Read more on Barron's

Among the two Fed board members who did not vote in favor, Lisa Cook abstained, while Michael Barr voted against the measure.

Read more on Barron's

Addiction recovery is often centered on the idea that the fastest way to get well is to abstain from the problem substance.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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