abstain
verb (used without object)
to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).
abstained
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past participleof abstain.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof abstain.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
abstainverb (used without object)to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).
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.
As an MP in 2015, Burnham abstained on another effort to legalise assisted dying.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
“I abstained because I did not see sufficient evidence to justify extending this emergency ordinance, nor did I see evidence to eliminate it entirely,” Hahn said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026
Nekhaila, who would have been the tiebreaking vote, abstained.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026
While they released the letter spelling out their dissent, the Fed clarified that Bowman had abstained from the vote.
From Barron's ● May 15, 2026
She could have made an inquiry or two, as to the expedition and the expense of the Irish mails;—it was at her tongue’s end—but she abstained.
From "Emma" by Jane Austen
