Abstain

Pronunciation

RP IPA: /É™bËˆsteÉªn/
US IPA: /É™bËˆsteÉªn/, /Ã¦b.ËˆsteÉªn/
Rhymes: -eÉªn

Origin

First attested around 1380. From Middle English abstene, absteine, absteynen, absteinen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstineÅ ("to hold oneself back") from abs- ("from") + (tineÅ ("hold"), from teneÅ ("I hold")). See also tenable.

Full definition of abstain

Verb

(transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself. Attested from around 1350 to 1470 until the mid 16^th century.

SOED5|page=9

(intransitive) Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites. First attested around 1350 to 1470.

Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? - Shakespeare, Richard II, II-i

(intransitive, obsolete) Fast. First attested around 1350 to 1470.
(intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present. First attested around 1350 to 1470.

Not a few abstained from voting. - Thomas Babington Macaulay

(transitive, obsolete) Hinder; keep back; withhold. Attested from the early 16^th century until the mid 17^th century.

Whether he abstain men from marying sic. - John Milton

Usage notes

(keep or withhold oneself) Followed by the word from or of.

(refrain from something) Followed by the word from.

Synonyms