# abstainment

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstainment
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the act of choosing not to do something, especially something that is common or expected. It is often used when talking about not voting, not eating, or not having sex.

For teachers: the act of refraining from a particular activity or practice, especially one that is common or expected. Often used in political, religious, or medical contexts.

## Examples

- The candidate's refusal to vote was a form of political abstainment.
- The doctor recommended a period of total abstainment from alcohol to allow the patient's liver to heal.
- The committee's decision to abstain from the final vote was seen as a strategic move to avoid taking a firm stance on the controversial policy.

---

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.