Vocabulary Spotlight
Abstain
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To voluntarily choose not to do or have something, often as a matter of principle.
“He chose to abstain from alcohol during the month to support his health goals.”
Pronunciation
[ab-STAYN]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Withhold
Desist
Avoid
Renounce
Antonyms
Participate
Engage
Partake
Embrace
Related Words
Abstemious (adjective)
Word Origin
“Abstain” comes from the Latin “abstinere,” meaning “to hold back,” from “ab-” (from) and “tenere” (to hold).
Word Family
Noun: Abstinence – The practice of refraining from indulgence.
Adjective: Abstemious – Exercising restraint, especially in eating or drinking.
Mnemonics
A Behavior Stopped Temporarily, Aiming Inward, Not indulging
This mnemonic highlights abstaining as a choice to hold back or refrain.
Industry-specific Usage
Medicine
In medicine, abstaining often refers to avoiding substances or behaviors that can harm health, such as alcohol or smoking.
Religion
In religious contexts, abstaining may involve refraining from certain foods or practices, especially during observances like Lent.
Law
In law, abstaining from a vote can signal neutrality or lack of a strong stance on an issue.
In Context
The term “abstain” is often used to describe a conscious decision to refrain from certain actions, substances, or behaviors, whether for health, ethical, or personal reasons.