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abstain meaning and examples

2025-08-22

Meaning

Abstain means to deliberately choose not to do something, especially something enjoyable or tempting. It is often used in the context of avoiding alcohol, food, or activities for moral, health, or religious reasons. It can also mean choosing not to vote either for or against something.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Verb (intransitive)

  • Verb forms: abstain – abstained – abstained

  • Patterns:

    • abstain from + noun/verb-ing (He abstained from smoking.)
    • abstain in a vote (Several members abstained in the election.)

Common Phrases

  • abstain from alcohol
  • abstain from voting
  • abstain from smoking
  • abstain for health reasons

Collocations

  • abstain completely / totally
  • abstain voluntarily
  • abstain from food / drink / sex
  • abstain in elections / voting

Examples

  1. He decided to abstain from alcohol during training.
  2. Many people abstain from eating meat for religious reasons.
  3. She abstained from commenting on the issue.
  4. Ten members abstained in the final vote.
  5. During the fasting period, they abstain from certain foods.
  6. He abstained from smoking for his health.
  7. Some countries abstained in the UN resolution.
  8. She abstained from criticizing her colleagues.
  • refrain
  • avoid
  • desist
  • withhold
  • decline