Meaning & use
abstain
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Meanings
verbintransitive
To deliberately choose not to do, take, or have something, especially to show self-control or follow a principle.
Grammar: No direct object; use from before a noun or -ing form: abstain from alcohol, abstain from drinking.
Patterns
- abstain from something
- abstain from doing something
She decided to abstain from sugar for a month.
Many guests abstained from drinking because they were driving.
verbintransitiveformal
To formally refuse to vote either yes or no in an election or decision.
Grammar: Used in formal voting contexts; say abstain in an election or abstain on a motion.
Patterns
- abstain in an election
- abstain on a motion
- abstain from voting
Three committee members abstained on the final proposal.
He chose to abstain rather than support either candidate.
Word forms
| third person singular | abstains |
|---|---|
| past tense | abstained |
| past participle | abstained |
| -ing form | abstaining |
Common combinations
- abstain from alcohol
- The doctor told him to abstain from alcohol before surgery.
- abstain from doing something
- They promised to abstain from gossiping about colleagues.
- abstain in an election
- Voters may abstain in an election if they reject all candidates.
- abstain on a motion
- Two senators abstained on the motion to amend the bill.
Synonyms and how they differ
- refrain
- Very close after from, but often suggests holding back for a short time or in a particular situation.
- forgo
- Formal; means give up a pleasure, right, or advantage, not merely avoid an action.
- decline
- Means politely refuse an offer or invitation; it does not usually take from.
- withhold
- Means keep something back rather than choose not to participate; it takes an object.
Opposites
Word family
- abstention noun
- The act of abstaining, especially in a vote.
- abstinence noun
- The practice of completely avoiding something, often alcohol or sex.
- abstinent adjective
- Practising abstinence or marked by restraint.
Commonly confused: abstain or restrain? abstain or refrain?
abstain vs restrain
Restrain means control or hold back a person, impulse, or thing; abstain is a deliberate choice not to participate or consume.
abstain vs refrain
Refrain is the closest synonym, but abstain more strongly suggests principle, habit, or a formal vote.
Practice
Choose the best completion: The doctor advised him to abstain ___ smoking during the treatment.
Choose one answer.
The fixed pattern is abstain from doing something; abstain does not take a to-infinitive or with/for in this meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “abstain”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.