abstain

Meaning

Verb

• Keep or withhold oneself.
• Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
• Fast .
• Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
• Hinder; keep back; withhold.

Related

Similar words

• deny oneself
• forbear
• forgo
• give up
• refrain
• relinquish
• withhold

Origin

• First attested around 1380. From Middle English absteynen, absteinen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstineō ("to hold oneself back") from abs- + teneō. See also tenable.