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.
Aimed at "a more accurate representation" of continental landmasses, the resolution was supported by 164 countries while the United States voted against it and six other states abstained.
From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026
Mediobanca—itself Assicurazioni Generali’s top shareholder—last year saw an offer for Banca Generali derailed by its own investors, who failed to approve the move after a top shareholder abstained from the vote.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026
Norway's football federation abstained and argued the bidding process undermined "Fifa's reforms for good governance" and challenged "trust in Fifa".
From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026
As an MP in 2015, Burnham abstained on another effort to legalise assisted dying.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 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
