abstain
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Middle English absteynen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstinere, abstentum (“‘keep or refrain from’”); from prefix from + hold. See tenable.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Verb
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Infinitive |
Third person singular |
Simple past |
Past participle |
Present participle |
to abstain (third-person singular simple present abstains, present participle abstaining, simple past and past participle abstained)
- (intransitive) Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.
- (intransitive) To shun voluntarily.
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- Not a few abstained from voting. - Thomas Babington Macaulay
- Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? - Shakespeare, Richard II, II-i
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- (intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
- (transitive) Hinder; withhold.
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- Whether he abstain men from marrying. - John Milton
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[edit] Synonyms
[edit] Derived terms
[edit] Translations
refrain from
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refrain from voting
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hinder, withhold
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