Abstain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /əb-ˈstān/ ab·stain

Meaning & Definition of Abstain

Abstain (verb)

  1. to choose not to do or have something, to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice
  2. to choose not to vote

Abstain (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in refuse, reject

    similar: decline, refuse, reject, turn down, delay, halt, hesitate, stall, temporize, shilly-shally, vacillate, waffle, waver
    opposite: choose, conclude, decide, determine, figure, name, opt, resolve, settle (on or upon), decree, rule, cull, elect, handpick, pick, prefer, select, single (out)

Related Entry: Abstain (from) (verb)

Abstain (from) is a different word from Abstain. The synonyms below are for abstain (from), not for abstain.

  1. to resist the temptation of

    "had to abstain from solid food before her surgery"

    similar: abjure, forbear, forgo, keep (from), refrain (from), withhold (from)
    related: avoid, eschew, shun, check, constrain, curb, inhibit, deny, refuse, reject, repudiate, buck, combat, fight
    opposite: bow (to), give in (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)
    near: acquiesce (to), capitulate, concede (to), knuckle under (to)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abstain

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abstain:

decline, refuse, reject, turn down, delay, halt, hesitate, stall, temporize, shilly-shally, vacillate, waffle, waver

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Abstain

Words with the opposite meaning of Abstain:

choose, conclude, decide, determine, figure, name, opt, resolve, settle (on or upon), decree, rule, cull, elect, handpick, pick, prefer, select, single (out)

Word Forms of Abstain

Inflections: abstained, abstaining, abstains

Derived words: abstainer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Abstain

Middle English absteinen, abstenen, borrowed from Anglo-French asteign-, absteign-, stem of astenir, abstenir, borrowed (with conjugation change, conformed to tenir) from Latin abstinēre "to keep from, hold back, refrain, withhold oneself from," from abs- (variant of ab- ab- before c- and t-) + tenēre "to hold, occupy, possess" tenant:1

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Abstain

Frequently Asked Questions about Abstain

What does "Abstain" mean?

"Abstain" means to choose not to do or have something, to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice. As a verb, it is defined as: to choose not to do or have something, to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice.

What is another word for "Abstain"?

Other words for "Abstain" include decline, refuse, reject, turn down, delay, halt, hesitate and stall. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abstain" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abstain"?

There are 13 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abstain". Common alternatives include decline, refuse, reject, turn down, delay, halt, hesitate, stall, temporize and shilly-shally.

What is the opposite of "Abstain"?

Antonyms of "Abstain" include choose, conclude, decide, determine, figure, name, opt and resolve.

Is "Abstain" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abstain" is a verb.

Is "Abstain" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Abstain" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Abstain"?

"Abstain" is pronounced /əb-ˈstān/ and divided into syllables as ab·stain.

What is the origin of the word "Abstain"?

"Abstain" comes from Middle English absteinen, abstenen, borrowed from Anglo-French asteign-, absteign-, stem of astenir, abstenir, borrowed (with conjugation change, conformed to tenir) from Latin abstinēre "to keep from, hold back, refrain, withhold oneself from," from abs- (variant of ab- ab- before c- and t-) + tenēre "to hold, occupy, possess" tenant:1. First known use: 14th century.