Definitions for abstain
æbˈsteɪnab·stain

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:2.3 / 3 votes

1. abstainverb

   refrain from voting

2. abstain, refrain, desistverb

   choose not to consume

   "I abstain from alcohol"

WiktionaryRate this definition:4.3 / 6 votes

1. abstainverb

   Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.

2. abstainverb

   To shun voluntarily.

3. abstainverb

   Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.

4. abstainverb

   Hinder; withhold.

5. Etymology: * First attested around 1380.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. To ABSTAINverb

   To forbear, to deny one’s self any gratification; with the particle from.

   Etymology: abstineo, Lat.

   If thou judge it hard and difficult,
   Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain
   From love’s due rites, nuptial embraces sweet;
   And, with desires, to languish without hope. John Milton, Paradise Lost, b. x. l. 993.

   To be perpetually longing, and impatiently desirous of any thing, so that a man cannot abstain from it, is to lose a man’s liberty, and to become a servant of meat and drink, or smoke. Jeremy Taylor, Rule of living holy.

   Even then the doubtful billows scarce abstain
   From the toss’d vessel on the troubled main. John Dryden, Virgil.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. abstain

   To abstain means to consciously and deliberately refrain from doing something, particularly an activity or substance that is pleasurable but may be harmful or inappropriate. This term is often used in the context of drugs, alcohol, voting, or sexual activity.

2. abstain

   To abstain means to consciously and intentionally refrain from doing an activity or indulging in something, often detrimental or morally disagreeable, such as drinking alcohol or casting a vote.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. Abstainverb

   to hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from

2. Abstainverb

   to hinder; to withhold

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:5.0 / 1 vote

1. Abstain

   abs-tān′, v.i. to hold or refrain from.—ns. Abstain′er, specially one who does not take alcoholic drinks; Absten′tion, a refraining. [Fr. abstenir—L. abs, from, tenēre, to hold. See Tenable.]

Matched Categories

1. • Refrain

Anagrams for abstain »

1. Bastian

How to pronounce abstain?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say abstain in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of abstain in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of abstain in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3

Examples of abstain in a Sentence

1. Le Drian:

   I encouraged Iran to be constructive, i called on Iran to abstain from any further violation of its current commitments in the nuclear domain that could threaten the movement toward resumed discussions.

2. Tiki Gebreab:

   Adwa for me is a sign of freedom and a sign of unity of the country. Today's generation should learn the importance of unity and abstain from clashing on the basis of ethnicity.

3. Mr Seyit:

   I ’m a Sunni Muslim Mr Seyit but I understand Shi’a sensitivities and for them this is a very holy time, it’s a time when they are encouraged to reflect on the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and abstain from all forms of celebrations.

4. Cortni Borgerson:

   A shellfish allergy increases the likelihood that you will be allergic to cicada, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and abstain from land arthropods if you can’t eat their sea swimming cousins.

5. Eric Schultz:

   The US did not draft this resolution nor did the US introduce this resolution, the Egyptians, in partnership with the Palestinians, are the ones who began circulating an earlier draft of the resolution. The Egyptians are the ones who moved it forward on Friday. And we took the position that we did when it was put to a vote. The White House already has acknowledged Obama made the decision for U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power to abstain. Unclear was how involved the Obama administration was in crafting and pushing the resolution itself – which initially was put forward by Egypt, and then pursued as well by New Zealand, Malaysia, Senegal and Venezuela. Netanyahu told his cabinet on Sunday that while the U.S. and Israel for decades had disagreed on settlements, they had an understanding that such action before the U.N. Security Council would make peace negotiations harder.

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References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=abstain
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Abstain
3. ^ Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
   https://johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.php?term=abstain
4. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
5. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstain
6. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=abstain