abstain Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb refrain from voting
  2. verb choose not to consume
    desist; refrain.
    • I abstain from alcohol

WordNet

Ab*stain" intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. absteynen, abstenen, OF. astenir, abstenir, F. abstenir, fr. L. abstinere, abstentum, v. t. & v. i., to keep from; ab, abs + tenere to hold. See Tenable.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Abstained present participle & verbal noun Abstaining
Definitions
  1. To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.
    Not a few abstained from voting. Macaulay.
    Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? Shak.
    Syn. -- To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.
Ab*stain" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To hinder; to withhold.
    Whether he abstain men from marrying. Milton.

Webster 1913