abstains
v. B2 Upper Intermediate UK //ɐbstˈeɪnz// ab·stains
v. to choose not to do something, especially to not vote or to not eat certain foods. You use this when you want to stay neutral or follow a rule.
v. to refrain from an action, particularly in the context of voting or dietary habits. Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe a neutral stance.
The senator abstains from voting on this issue.
Many people choose to abstain from alcohol during the holiday season to stay healthy.
In the absence of a clear majority, the committee members decided to abstain from the final vote to avoid a deadlock that might have lasted for months.