abstained
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //æbˈsteɪnd// UK //ɐbstˈeɪnd// ab·stained
v. to choose not to do something, especially to not vote or to not eat certain foods. You use this when you make a conscious decision to stay away from something.
v. to refrain from an action or activity, particularly in the context of voting or dietary habits. Often used in formal or political contexts to describe a deliberate choice to remain neutral.
The committee members abstained from voting on the new law.
Many athletes abstained from eating meat for several weeks before the competition to improve their endurance.
While the majority of the board voted in favor of the merger, several members abstained, citing concerns about the long-term impact on local employment.