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
Phrases with abstain
Example
Some people choose to abstain from sex until marriage.
Example
He made a commitment to abstain from alcohol for a month.
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'
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.'