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verb (used without object)
1.
to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed by from): to abstain from eating meat.
2.
to refrain from casting one's vote: a referendum in which two delegates abstained.
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English abste(i)nen < Middle French abstenir ≪ Latin abstinēre, equivalent to abs- abs- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold, keep
1350–1400; Middle English abste(i)nen < Middle French abstenir ≪ Latin abstinēre, equivalent to abs- abs- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold, keep
Related forms
non·ab·stain·ing, adjective
o·ver·ab·stain, verb (used without object)
Synonyms
1. forbear; desist, cease.
1. forbear; desist, cease.
Antonyms
1. indulge.
1. indulge.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Abstained
is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
abstain
late 14c., "to withhold oneself," from O.Fr. abstenir, from L. abstinere "withhold," from ab(s)- "from, away from" + tenere "to hold" (see tenet). Specifically of liquor, attested from late 14c. Of voting, 1885.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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