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[ab-STAYN]
Verb
Definitions
- To hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy.
- To choose not to do or have something.
Examples
"If you want to live healthy, you should abstain from drinking too much soda."
"Marcus found it difficult to abstain from sleeping during the movie."
Synonyms
desistforgopass upquitrefrain
Antonyms
continuedoaccept
Additional Notes
- Abstain also refers to 'to refrain from casting one's vote' as in during an election.
- Originated from the French word abstinere meaning 'to withhold oneself.'