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To deliberately choose not to do something.
synonyms:refrainwithhold
The word 'abstain' comes from the Latin 'abstainere', which means 'to hold back'. It is a combination of 'ab-' meaning 'from' and 'tenere' meaning 'to hold'.
The word is commonly used in everyday language as well as in contexts such as voting, health, and personal choices.
Abstain is frequently used in discussions about choices, especially in contexts like dieting, voting, and lifestyle decisions.
During the meeting, she decided to abstain from voting to avoid any conflict of interest.
Many people choose to abstain from alcohol during dry months for health benefits.
He will abstain from using social media for a month to focus on his mental health.
The word 'abstain' is all about making conscious choices to hold back from certain actions. Its roots in Latin suggest a sense of restraint, which fits perfectly with its modern usage. Whether it's about abstaining from sweets to maintain a diet or choosing to abstain from voting to avoid bias, this word encapsulates the power of choice. It's a versatile term that finds its place in various discussions, emphasizing the importance of self-control and decision-making.