abstain
verb (used without object)
to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed byfrom ).
have abstained
-
present perfectof abstain.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
Most moderates in the Democratic Party, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer -- who is from New York -- have abstained from endorsing Mamdani so far.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2025
Would he at least have abstained instead of voting “yes”?
From Salon ● May 22, 2024
"The bank must show how it deals with this risk and communicate transparently," even if the two board members have abstained from voting on the reorganization, he said.
From Reuters ● Nov. 11, 2022
“But if you’re only looking for people who have abstained from doing anything, who are not alpha leaders, you’re going to miss a lot of talent.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 2, 2018
Of the whole number, twelve have abstained from animal food thirty-seven years, seven from twenty to thirty years, and fifty-one never tasted animal food or drank intoxicating drinks.
From Vegetable Diet: As Sanctioned by Medical Men, and by Experience in All Ages Including a System of Vegetable Cookery by William A. (William Andrus) Alcott
