Definition

To choose not to do something, especially to not participate in an activity or decision.

Example

Forty senators voted in favor of the bill, 45 voted against it, and 15 abstained.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the vote at the meeting last night?

Yeah, I heard it was pretty controversial.

I decided to abstain from voting because I wasn't sure which side to support.

That makes sense; sometimes it's better to stay neutral.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abstain is formed from "ab-" (meaning away) and "tenere" (meaning to hold). The word describes the act of holding oneself away from something, particularly in the context of refraining from an action or choice.

Memory Tip

Think of 'holding away' from something — 'ab-' means away, and 'tenere' means to hold. This helps you remember that to abstain means to refrain from doing something.

Visually Confused Words