Abstain: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone consciously chooses not to do something, especially in voting or consuming something like alcohol or food. It often implies a formal decision or moral reasoning.

• She decided to abstain from drinking alcohol during the month of January.
• During the vote, three members chose to abstain.

Used when someone holds themselves back from doing something they want to do. It implies self-control or restraint.

• She had to refrain from laughing during the serious meeting.
• He refrained from commenting on the controversial issue.

Used when someone intentionally does not give something that is expected or due, such as information, approval, or support.

• The manager decided to withhold his approval until he had more information.
• Sometimes he would withhold important details just to maintain an advantage.

Used to indicate stopping or ceasing from doing something, especially after being told or warned not to do it. It can have a formal or legal tone.

• The court ordered him to desist from contacting his ex-partner.
• Please desist from smoking inside the building.

Used when someone tries to stay away from something or someone to prevent something undesirable. It often implies evasion or steering clear of danger or trouble.

• He tries to avoid rush hour traffic by leaving early.
• They decided to avoid discussing sensitive topics at the dinner.

Used when someone deliberately chooses not to do something, especially in a formal setting like voting.

• He decided to abstain from voting in the election
• She abstains from drinking alcohol for health reasons

Focuses on the act of holding oneself back from doing something, often to avoid negative consequences or out of politeness.

• Please refrain from smoking in this area
• They refrained from laughing during the serious meeting

Implies keeping away from something that is harmful or undesirable; can be used in everyday situations.

• He tries to avoid eating fast food
• They are avoiding confrontation by not discussing the issue

Means to hold back or be patient, implying a conscious decision to restrain oneself, often used in legal or formal contexts.

• He had to forbear from making any rash decisions
• She forbore from commenting on his mistakes

Indicates deliberately staying away from something on moral or practical grounds, often used in a formal or literary context.

• As a sustainable business, they eschew non-recyclable materials
• He eschews gossip in all forms

Used when someone chooses not to participate in an activity, especially voting or indulging in certain foods or drinks.

• He decided to abstain from alcohol during the month of January.
• Many members chose to abstain from voting on the controversial bill.

Used when someone exercises self-control and patience to hold back from doing something.

• Despite the provocation, he chose to forbear from responding angrily.
• She could barely forbear from laughing at the ridiculous situation.

Used when someone deliberately avoids doing something, often for reasons of self-discipline or respect.

• Please refrain from using your phone during the meeting.
• He refrained from making any comments during the argument.

Used in formal or legal contexts when someone solemnly renounces a belief, cause, or claim.

• The witness was forced to abjure his previous testimony.
• She abjured her allegiance to the old regime.

Used when someone formally declares a rejection of something they previously believed in, often used in legal, religious, or formal contexts.

• He renounced his citizenship to take on a new nationality.
• She renounced all her previous beliefs after joining the new movement.