Meaning & use
abstain
To deliberately choose not to do or have something, especially out of self-control or principle.
See it in a sentence
She decided to abstain from dessert while she was training for the marathon.
Two committee members chose to abstain rather than vote for or against the proposal.
A note on using this word
Abstain is often followed by 'from'. In formal votes, it names a third option distinct from voting yes or no.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
indulge
Another way to use it
2. verb
To not use one's vote in a formal decision, neither supporting nor opposing it.
Three senators abstained instead of casting a vote on the controversial bill.
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