Definition of ABSTAIN

abstain

Meanings

Plural: abstain, abstained

Verb

  • refrain from voting
  • choose not to consume
    • "I abstain from alcohol"
  • Keep or withhold oneself.
  • Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
  • Fast (not eat for a period).
  • Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
  • Hinder; keep back; withhold.

Origin / Etymology

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

Synonyms

abjure, deny oneself, desist, forbear, forgo, give up, refrain, relinquish, withhold

Antonyms

consume

Scrabble Score: 9

abstain is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
abstain is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
abstain is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

abstain is a valid Words With Friends word