abstain[verb]Synonyms: refrain, avoid, decline, deny (oneself), desist, fast, forbear, forgo, give up, keep from
Antonyms: indulge
Contrasted words: pamper, gratify, regale, sate, satiate, surfeit
Related Idioms: dispense with, do without, let alone
Related Words: abnegate,
eschew,
forgo,
decline,
refuse,
reject,
spurn [TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲
ab‧stain /əbˈsteɪn/
verb [intransitive][
Date: 1300-1400;
Language: Old French;
Origin: abstenir, from Latin abstinere, from abs- 'away' + tenere 'to hold']
1. to choose not to vote for or against something:
Six countries voted for the change, five voted against, and two abstained.2. to not do or have something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health
abstain from Pilots must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before flying. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲