WordValeabstain
to restrain oneself from doing something
In more detail
1. (verb) to deliberately not do or consume something, especially something you want or enjoy
2. (verb) to formally choose not to vote on something
Examples
- 1. She decided to abstain from eating sugar to improve her health.
- 2. Three members abstained from voting on the controversial proposal.
How to use abstain
Abstain is a somewhat formal verb used when someone deliberately refrains from doing or consuming something, often for moral, health, or political reasons. It carries a sense of conscious choice or restraint and is frequently used in formal contexts like voting procedures, medical advice, or ethical discussions. It is more deliberate and principled than simply 'not doing' something.
Common phrases
- abstain from voting
- abstain from alcohol
- abstain from food
- choose to abstain
- abstain from comment
Synonyms
refrain from · forgo · desist from · withhold from · hold back
Opposites
indulge in · partake of · participate
Word family
abstention (noun) · abstainer (noun) · abstemious (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'abstain from' with gerunds incorrectly (e.g., 'abstain from to vote' instead of 'abstain from voting') or confuse it with 'abstain of'—the correct preposition is always 'from'.
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