abstain

[əbˈsteɪn]

abstain Definition

to choose not to do or have something, especially something enjoyable but thought to be bad for you.

Using abstain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "abstain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I abstained from alcohol during the party.

• Example

  He decided to abstain from voting on the issue.

• Example

  She abstained from eating sweets to lose weight.

abstain Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for abstain

• refrain
• avoid
• forgo

Antonyms for abstain

• indulge
• partake

Phrases with abstain

• abstain from sex

  to choose not to engage in sexual activity

  Example

  Some people choose to abstain from sex until marriage.

• abstain from alcohol

  to choose not to drink alcohol

  Example

  He made a commitment to abstain from alcohol for a month.

• abstain from drugs

  to choose not to use drugs

  Example

  She decided to abstain from drugs after seeing the negative effects they had on her friends.

Origins of abstain

from Latin 'abstinentem', meaning 'withholding'

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Summary: abstain in Brief

'Abstain' [əbˈsteɪn] means to choose not to do or have something, especially something enjoyable but thought to be bad for you. It is often used in the context of avoiding alcohol, drugs, or sex. Synonyms include 'refrain,' 'avoid,' and 'forgo.'