abstain

[ ab-steyn ]

verb (used without object)

1. to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed by from ):

   to abstain from eating meat.

   Synonyms: cease, desist, forbear

   Antonyms: indulge

2. to refrain from casting one's vote:

   a referendum in which two delegates abstained.

abstain

/ əbˈsteɪn /

verb

1. to choose to refrain

   he abstained from alcohol

2. to refrain from voting, esp in a committee, legislature, etc

Derived Forms

• abˈstainer, noun

Other Words From

• nonab·staining adjective
• over·ab·stain verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstain¹

1350–1400; Middle English abste ( i ) nen < Middle French abstenir ≪ Latin abstinēre, equivalent to abs- abs- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold, keep

Word History and Origins

Origin of abstain¹

C14: via Old French from Latin abstinēre, from abs- ab- ¹+ tenēre to hold, keep

Example Sentences

She told the BBC she hoped MPs would be reassured by the bill's safeguards, adding: "What I would say to colleagues is, if you vote against the bill, or even if you abstain, you’re saying that the status quo is OK and it's not OK."

From BBC

The company’s decision to abstain has repercussions far beyond Texas; the nation’s largest for-profit hospital chain has said it delivers more babies than any other health care provider in America, and 70% of its hospitals are in states where abortion is restricted.

From Salon

And while the presidential fever broke the farther west I traveled, of the more than 200 people I spoke with, not one of them said they were going to abstain from voting.

From Salon

Speaking to Michael Gove for a new Radio 4 podcast, Baroness Foster explained why she had chosen to abstain on the vote.

From BBC

In September, he offered money to convince “as many people as possible” to vote No or to abstain in the EU referendum.

From BBC

Related Words

• cease
• forgo
• pass up
• quit
• refrain
• renounce
• shun
• withhold