Abstain

Quick meaning: Abstain is a verb meaning (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself.

Meaning

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

More Meanings

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

Example Sentences

Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?

Whether he abstain men from marying [sic].

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

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

Word Forms

• abstains
• abstaining
• abstained
• abstainest
• abstainedst
• abstaineth

Synonyms for abstain

Depending on context, synonyms include abjure, forbear, forgo, give up, refrain, relinquish.

Antonyms for abstain

Common opposites include have, take, take in, ingest, consume.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include refrain, desist, refraining, abstention, withhold, forbear.

Related Dictionary Tools