# abstain

/æbˈsteɪn/ (US) · /ɐbstˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstain
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to refrain from an indulgence

verb · CEFR B2

to choose not to do something that is usually considered enjoyable but perhaps unhealthy or wrong.

For teachers: to deliberately refrain from an action or practice, particularly one involving physical indulgence or habit.

- He decided to abstain from chocolate for a month to improve his health.
- During the religious festival, many observers abstain from meat and dairy products as a sign of devotion and self-discipline.

Usage: Always takes the preposition 'from' followed by a noun or gerund.

### 2. to not vote

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to choose not to vote for or against something in a formal meeting or election.

For teachers: to formally decline to cast a vote for or against a specific motion or candidate.

- Three members of the committee chose to abstain rather than support the new rule.
- The resolution passed with ten votes in favour, two against, and four members choosing to abstain due to a conflict of interest.

Usage: Often used as a standalone intransitive verb in parliamentary contexts.

### 3. to withhold or keep back

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to keep yourself away from something or to hold something back.

For teachers: to withhold or keep back; in modern usage, this is almost exclusively reflexive or archaic.

- The knight was told to abstain himself from the temptations of the forest.
- In the ancient text, the protagonist is warned to abstain his hand from the forbidden fruit lest he face dire consequences.

Teaching tip: This transitive or reflexive use is rare in modern English; learners will mostly encounter it in historical literature.

## Examples

- He decided to abstain from drinking alcohol for a month.
- During the final vote on the new policy, three committee members chose to abstain rather than support or oppose the motion.
- While many doctors advise patients to abstain from high-sodium foods to manage blood pressure, long-term adherence often requires a gradual shift in dietary habits rather than an immediate, total restriction.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.