Abstaining: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in the context of choosing not to engage in a particular activity or behavior, often related to health, ethics, or personal principles.

• She is abstaining from drinking alcohol during her training period.
• Many people are abstaining from meat during Lent.

Commonly used when someone is actively staying away from a person, situation, or thing to prevent harm, inconvenience, or discomfort.

• He is avoiding junk food to improve his diet.
• She started avoiding him after their argument.

Commonly used for an intentional decision not to do something, often temporarily, usually for practical or ethical reasons.

• Please refrain from smoking in this area.
• She is refraining from commenting on the issue until she has more information.

Typically used in formal or literary contexts to indicate a deliberate decision to avoid or shun something for moral or practical reasons.

• The artist is eschewing traditional techniques in favor of modern methods.
• She eschews all forms of processed food to maintain her health.

Used when someone is patiently enduring a refrainment from action, often in difficult or irritating situations. This word can sometimes imply a dignified or noble restraint.

• He was forbearing his anger despite the provocation.
• Despite the criticism, she remained forbearing and polite.