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Definition of Abstain
1. Verb. Refrain from voting.
2. Verb. Choose not to consume. "I abstain from alcohol"
Specialized synonyms: Fast, Fast, Avoid, Keep Off, Teetotal
Derivative terms: Abstainer, Abstainer, Abstention, Abstinence, Abstinent, Abstinent
Antonyms: Consume
Definition of Abstain
1. v. i. To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.
2. v. t. To hinder; to withhold.
Definition of Abstain
1. Verb. (context: 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''. ¹
2. Verb. (context: intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present. ¹
3. Verb. (context: transitive) Hinder; withhold. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Abstain
1. to refrain voluntarily [v -ED, -ING, -S]
Lexicographical Neighbors of Abstain
Literary usage of Abstain
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Notes and Queries by Martim de Albuquerque (1858)
"But, in consequence of the obligation to abstain from leaven throughout the whole
period of the ... The Jews of London, like thne of Frankfort, abstain ..."
2. Readings in the History of Education: A Collection of Sources and Readings by Ellwood Patterson Cubberley (1920)
"Christians should abstain from all Heathen ... abstain from all the heathen books.
For what hast thou to do with such foreign discourses, or laws, ..."
3. The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, Henry Dale, Thomas Arnold (1873)
"... sharo our empire with us, abstain, na just mon, from now utterly betraying it.
And with contempt Ilir (Corinthian«, whom you have often conquered, ..."
4. King Alfred's West-Saxon Version of Gregory's Pastoral Care by Gregory, Alfred, Henry Sweet (1871)
"Tliat those who repeatedly commit little sins are to be admonished in one way ;
in another way those who abstain from little sins, and yet sometimes fall ..."
5. Proceedings by Philadelphia County Medical Society (1897)
"He had throw light upon or help to confirm some occupation as a sailor would
abstain from several interesting points which may never been a steady drinker, ..."
6. Dictionary of National Biography by LESLIE. STEPHEN (1892)
"... and \\ Ml was again in Edinburgh in March, when James promised to abstain from
hostilities for the present, but would write no letter which would ' lose ..."
Other Resources:
Frisian