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Definition of abstain

abstain

/əbˈsteɪn/
ab · stain
Adjective:abstinent
•
Past Simple:abstained
•
Past Participle:abstained
•
Present Participle:abstaining
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abstain Lexical Profile

abstain Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something, especially a pleasurable indulgence or habit.

Example

"The doctor advised the patient to abstain from caffeine and alcohol for at least a month."

2

To formally decline to vote either for or against a proposal or motion.

Example

"Three members of the committee voted in favor of the resolution, while two chose to abstain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for abstain
Antonyms
View all antonyms for abstain

Word Nuance & Usage

"Abstain" is an intransitive verb and is almost always followed by the preposition "from" when specifying the object of restraint (e.g., "abstain from alcohol").

• Rhymes for abstain

• Nearby Words

absorption
absorptive
absorptiveness
abstain
abstainer
abstemiously
abstention

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French astenir, from Latin abstinere ("to hold back, withhold"), formed from abs- ("away") and tenere ("to hold").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abstain. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abstain
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