English

abstain

əbˈsteɪn, æbˈsteɪn
Meaning: to restrain oneself from doing something; to not vote
Part of Speech: Verb Alternative Readings: æbˈsteɪn

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Verb inflections

Form Inflected form
Base abstain
3rd person singular present abstains
Present participle abstaining
Past abstained
Will future will abstain
Going-to future going to abstain
Imperative negative don't abstain / do not abstain

Example

He decided to abstain from alcohol for the entire month.
He decided to abstain from alcohol for the entire month.

Usage Notes

Commonly used with 'from' to indicate avoiding something pleasurable or unhealthy. Also used for formally declining to vote.

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