abstain
verb (used without object)
to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).
are abstaining
-
present progressiveof abstain.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
Some Americans are abstaining for health and wellness reasons, others because of cost.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026
More young adults are abstaining from alcohol compared to college-age Americans 20 years ago, Science Daily reports.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2023
Now it is time to forget those who are abstaining and to focus on the folks going without fear or complaint.
From New York Times ● Jul. 31, 2016
There are a great many people who are abstaining too much from exercise and need to abstain from rest.
From Religion And Health by James J. (James Joseph) Walsh
