Definitions

1. verb

to refrain or choose not to do something, especially something considered immoral or unwholesome

“She chose to abstain from drinking during the experiment.”

2. verb

to refrain from voting or participating in a particular activity

“Many citizens abstained from voting in the election due to lack of trust in the politicians.”

3. verb

to refrain from speaking or acting

“The court instructed the defendant to abstain from any further comments on the case.”

4. noun

the act of refraining from doing something

“Her decision to abstain from the party was well respected by her friends.”

5. noun

a person who refrains from doing something

“The abstainer from meat was a devoted vegan.”