abstain
/əbˈsteɪn/ verb C1- Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence. · In order to improve his health, Rob decided to abstain from smoking.
- To refrain from drinking alcohol.
- Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present. · I abstain from this vote, as I have no particular preference.
Plural abstain · He/she/it abstains · Past abstained · Past participle abstained · -ing form abstaining
Verb forms
- Base form
- abstain
- He/she/it
- abstains
- Past
- abstained
- Past participle
- abstained
- -ing form
- abstaining
From the library
She not only abstained from beating him, but encouraged him.
Abstain and enjoy.
Learn abstain in real texts
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