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.
Dozens of the party's backbenchers are believed to have abstained during a vote on Tuesday to authorise the plans, which are due to take effect in April.
From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2025
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
For the life of him, he could not have abstained from this little bit of braggadocio.
From The Boy Scouts On The Range by Lieut. Howard Payson
