Search
Select the dictionary language
to abstain
01
to avoid doing something, especially something that one enjoys
Transitive: to abstain from sth
Examples
They regularly abstain from consuming alcohol for personal reasons.
She has abstained from using social media since last week to focus on her studies.
02
to choose not to vote on a particular matter, issue, or proposal
Intransitive
Examples
During the shareholder meeting, several investors abstained, expressing their uncertainty about the company's proposed merger.
In the town hall debate, some audience members chose to abstain.
Lexical Tree
abstainer
abstemious
abstinence
abstain
