abstain from — to deliberately avoid or refrain from doing something, especially something that might be harmful or wrong
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to deliberately avoid or refrain from doing something, especially something that might be harmful or wrong
Pronunciation (IPA): /æbˈsteɪn frʌm/
Example Sentences
- The vampire decided to abstain from garlic bread at the Italian restaurant.
- During the meeting, three board members chose to abstain from the controversial vote.
- My cat seems to abstain from being cute only when I have my camera ready.
abstain from
VERB[/æbˈsteɪn frʌm/]
to deliberately avoid or refrain from doing something, especially something that might be harmful or wrong
He chose to abstain from dessert at the party, sipping only water instead.
The student looked at the flashing phone, smiled, and chose to abstain from social media until the exams were over. ("Ah... but stay!" → The temptation says, "Come!" You say, "I'll stay away.")
She abstained from sweets, attained her goal, and maintained a healthy lifestyle.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'abstinere', combining 'abs-' (away from) and 'tenere' (to hold or keep). The phrase entered Middle English through Old French and has been used since the 14th century to mean refraining from something.
Breakdown
abs- (away from) + -stain (from Latin tenere, to hold/keep) = abstain; abstain + from (preposition indicating separation) = abstain from
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The vampire decided to abstain from garlic bread at the Italian restaurant.”
“During the meeting, three board members chose to abstain from the controversial vote.”
“My cat seems to abstain from being cute only when I have my camera ready.”
“Athletes must abstain from certain medications before competitions.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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