abstain

verb ab·stain \əb-ˈstān, ab-\

: to choose not to do or have something

: to choose not to vote

Full Definition of ABSTAIN

intransitive verb

: to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice <abstain from drinking>

— ab·stain·er noun

See abstain defined for English-language learners

See abstain defined for kids

Origin of ABSTAIN

Middle English absteinen, from Anglo-French asteign-, absteign-, stem of astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstinēre, from abs-, ab- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

ABSTAINER Defined for Kids

abstain

verb ab·stain \əb-ˈstān\

ab·stainedab·stain·ing

Definition of ABSTAIN for Kids

: to choose not to do or have something <abstain from voting>

— ab·stain·er noun

Medical Dictionary

abstain

intransitive verb ab·stain \əb-ˈstān, ab-\

Medical Definition of ABSTAIN

: to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice (as consumption of a food or a drug or indulgence in sexual intercourse)

—ab·stain·er noun