Meaning

(transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself.
2. (intransitive) Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
3. (intransitive, obsolete) Fast (not eat for a period).
4. (intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
5. (transitive, obsolete) Hinder; keep back; withhold.

Example Sentences

In order to improve his health, Rob decided to abstain from smoking.

The Security Council […] calls upon all Governments and authorities, without prejudice to the rights, claims or positions of the parties concerned, to abstain from any hostile military action in Palestine and to that end to issue a cease-fire order to their military and paramilitary forces

Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?

I abstain from this vote, as I have no particular preference.

[…]forcing a small portion of the population to abstain from voting

Whether he abstain men from marying [sic].

Word Forms

• abstains
• abstaining
• abstained
• no-table-tags
• glossary
• abstain
• abstainest
• abstainedst
• abstaineth
• -

Synonyms for abstain

Antonyms for abstain

Related Words

When Should You Use Abstain?

Use abstain when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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