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
Known as "the No.1 Gaokao holdout", he had abstained from drinking and playing mahjong to focus on studying.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2023
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
He had been vexed about his travelling company, had abstained from conversing with them, and sought consolation in composing poetry.
From Erasmus and the Age of Reformation by Johan Huizinga
