Abstain: meaning, definitions and examples

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abstain

[əbˈsteɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

voting

To choose not to vote either for or against a proposal or motion.

Synonyms

avoid, desist, refrain, withhold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abstain	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.
refrain	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.
withhold	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.
desist	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.
avoid	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.

Examples of usage

He decided to abstain from voting on the controversial issue.
She abstained from participating in the election.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

alcohol

To refrain from drinking alcohol.

Synonyms

avoid, eschew, forbear, refrain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abstain	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
refrain	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
avoid	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
forbear	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
eschew	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

Examples of usage

She promised to abstain from alcohol during her pregnancy.
After the party, he decided to abstain from alcohol for a month.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

religious

To voluntarily refrain from an action or practice as an act of self-discipline or devotion.

Synonyms

abjure, forbear, refrain, renounce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
abstain	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.
forbear	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.
refrain	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.
abjure	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.
renounce	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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'abstinere', meaning 'to hold back' or 'to keep away'.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, gaining popularity in religious and moral contexts.

Cultural Practices

Many religions encourage followers to abstain from certain foods or behaviors during specific times, such as Lent in Christianity.
In some cultures, abstaining from drinking alcohol is a common practice during religious or celebratory events.

Psychology

Research shows that self-control and the ability to abstain from temptations can lead to better long-term decision-making.
The act of abstaining can sometimes lead to a greater appreciation for the things one chooses to refrain from.

Health and Lifestyle

Choosing to abstain from unhealthy foods or habits, like smoking, can significantly improve one’s health.
Studies indicate that abstinence from certain substances can lead to better overall mental health and well-being.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of abstaining, such as in Shakespeare’s plays where characters struggle with desires and moral dilemmas.
Classic texts often depict abstaining as a virtue, showcasing inner conflict and the pursuit of higher ideals.

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 Frequency Rank

At position #13,360, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13357 disqualification
13358 cruiser
13359 caravan
13360 abstain
13361 separator
13362 dictum
13363 grassy
...