abstain Definition

abstain
verb, intr abstained, abstaining

1. To choose not to take, have, do or undertake it.

Thesaurus: refrain, decline, deny, resist, forgo, give up, swear off, eschew, avoid; Antonym: indulge.
2. To formally record one's intention not to vote in an election.

Derivative: abstainer
noun

See also abstention, abstinence.

Etymology: 14c: from Latin ab away or from + tenere to hold.