abstain
Translation
to abstain, to refrain, to forbear
Examples
He decided to abstain from alcohol for a month.
He decided to abstain from alcohol for a month.
Ten members voted for the proposal, and two abstained.
Ten members voted for the proposal, and two abstained.
Grammar Patterns
((from sth.)) to refrain from (sth.) He decided to abstain from alcohol.
to not vote Two members abstained.
Similar Words
Synonyms: refrain, forbear; Antonyms: indulge, participate
Etymology
From Latin 'ab' (from) + 'tenere' (to hold). Literally 'to hold away from' something.
Memory Tips
Think 'absent' from a vote or activity. You choose not to be there.