abstain

5 definitions • 4 examples

to not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad:

abstain from He took a vow to abstain from alcohol/smoking/sex.

to decide not to use your vote:

63 members voted in favour, 39 opposed, and 15 abstained.

to stay away from work:

During a recent general strike, employees of all major trade unions abstained.

to not do something you could do, esp. something that is unhealthy or gives you pleasure:

Some families abstain from eating fried food.

If you abstain from voting, you do not vote although you are permitted to vote.