Meaning of abstain | Babel Free

Definitions

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

Equivalents

Examples

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

“Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?”

“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”

“… she had made Bunting abstain very early in their acquaintance. … Glad she was now that he had taken the pledge as a younger man; but for that nothing would have kept him from the drink during the bad times they had gone through.”

“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].”

CEFR level