Abstain: meaning, definitions and examples
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abstain
[ əbˈsteɪn ]
voting
To choose not to vote either for or against a proposal or motion.
Synonyms
avoid, desist, refrain, withhold
Examples of usage
- He decided to abstain from voting on the controversial issue.
- She abstained from participating in the election.
alcohol
To refrain from drinking alcohol.
Synonyms
avoid, eschew, forbear, refrain
Examples of usage
- She promised to abstain from alcohol during her pregnancy.
- After the party, he decided to abstain from alcohol for a month.
religious
To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice as an act of self-discipline or devotion.
Synonyms
abjure, forbear, refrain, renounce
Examples of usage
- During Lent, many Christians choose to abstain from certain luxuries.
- The monks abstain from speaking after sunset as a form of meditation.
Translations
Translations of the word "abstain" in other languages:
🇵🇹 abster-se
🇮🇳 परहेज़ करना
🇩🇪 sich enthalten
🇮🇩 menahan diri
🇺🇦 утримуватися
🇵🇱 powstrzymać się
🇯🇵 控える (hikaeru)
🇫🇷 s'abstenir
🇪🇸 abstenerse
🇹🇷 kaçınmak
🇰🇷 삼가다
🇸🇦 امتنع
🇨🇿 zdržet se
🇸🇰 zdržať sa
🇨🇳 放弃 (fàngqì)
🇸🇮 vzdržati se
🇮🇸 halda sér frá
🇰🇿 ұстамды болу
🇬🇪 თავი შეიკავო
🇦🇿 çəkinmək
🇲🇽 abstenerse
Word origin
The word 'abstain' originated from the Latin word 'abstinēre', which means 'withhold'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. The concept of abstaining is often associated with self-control, discipline, and conscious choice. Throughout history, abstaining from various activities has been a common practice in religious, social, and political contexts.
See also: abstainer, abstaining, abstention.