# absterse

CEFR C2 · Verb

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

## Definition

to stay away from something, especially something bad or harmful. It is an old word that people rarely use today.

For teachers: to refrain from or avoid something, particularly in a moral or physical sense. Archaic in modern usage; primarily found in historical or literary contexts.

## Examples

- He chose to absterse from the feast to show his humility.
- The monk decided to absterse from all worldly pleasures to focus on his spiritual growth.
- In the absence of a clear legal precedent, the judge absterse from making a final ruling until the higher court could provide guidance.

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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.