abstain Definition and Meaning in English (abstain definition)

verb
Quick Answer • Definition

Abstain definition: To choose not to do or have something, especially something that one enjoys or that is considered a vice, often for moral, religious, or health reasons.

Definitions of Abstain

  1. 1verb

    To choose not to do or have something, especially something that one enjoys or that is considered a vice, often for moral, religious, or health reasons.

  2. 2verb(formal)

    To formally choose not to vote either for or against a proposal or motion.

Example Sentences

casual

“She decided to abstain from alcohol for a month.”

formal

“Three members chose to abstain from the vote.”

Inflected Word Forms

third person singularabstains
past tenseabstained
present participleabstaining
nounabstinence
agent nounabstainer

Frequently Asked Questions: Abstain in English

What is the meaning of Abstain in English?▼
Abstain definition: To choose not to do or have something, especially something that one enjoys or that is considered a vice, often for moral, religious, or health reasons.
How do you translate 'Abstain' to English?▼
'Abstain' translates to 'abstain' in English. Abstain definition: To choose not to do or have something, especially something that one enjoys or that is considered a vice, often for moral, religious, or health reasons.
How do you pronounce 'Abstain' and 'abstain'?▼
Listen to clear English audio pronunciation of 'Abstain' and native English audio speech for 'abstain' with bilingual sentence examples on DictBridge.

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