C1verbformalhealth
US/əbˈsteɪn/
UK/əbˈsteɪn/
to choose not to do something you enjoy, such as drinking alcohol or eating certain food
In context
Patients must abstain from food and drink for eight hours before surgery.
Many people abstain from alcohol for a month after Tết.
Three members voted against the plan and two abstained.
Words that go with abstain
verb + preposition
- abstain fromHe decided to abstain from social media during exam season.
verb + noun
- abstain from alcoholPregnant women are advised to abstain from alcohol completely.
- abstain from votingSeveral countries chose to abstain from voting on the resolution.
- abstain from meatSome Buddhists abstain from meat on the first day of the lunar month.
adverb + verb
- completely abstainYou don't have to completely abstain from sugar to eat healthily.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I abstain eating sweets.Correct: I abstain from eating sweets.