abstain
verb (used without object)
to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).
had abstained
-
past perfectof abstain.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
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
The sudden closures created bottlenecks of people, most of whom had abstained from food and water all day.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 17, 2023
That was the case at Independence, where a half-dozen players had abstained from the school soccer team because of club commitments.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 17, 2023
"I don't think you're right about this," Sweet replied, before detailing the term "death recorded" in fact meant that judges had abstained from handing down a death sentence.
From BBC ● Oct. 23, 2019
His effort might have been a greater success if he had abstained from jocularity, which was not by any means his forte.
From In Brief Authority by F. Anstey
