Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
abstain
verb
æbˈsteɪn
Definition
To choose not to do something or refrain from an action.
Examples
- She decided to abstain from eating junk food for a month.
- During the meeting, he chose to abstain from voting on the controversial issue.
- Doctors often advise patients to abstain from alcohol if they are taking certain medications.
Meaning
To deliberately avoid doing something, often for reasons of morality, health, or personal preference.
Synonyms
- refrain
- withhold
- desist
- avoid
- forgo