abstain

Verb

Verb Forms: abstained, abstaining, abstains

To formally decline to vote or choose an option.
refrain from voting
choose not to consume
- "I abstain from alcohol"
Keep or withhold oneself.
Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
Fast (not eat for a period).
Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
Hinder; keep back; withhold.

Examples

I abstain from this vote, as I have no particular preference.
I will abstain from playing a two-point word out of sheer principle.
In order to improve his health, Rob decided to abstain from smoking.

Origin / Etymology

First attested around 1380. From Middle English absteynen, absteinen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstineō (“to hold oneself back”) from abs- (“from”) + teneō (“I hold”). See also tenable.

Synonyms

desist, refrain, abjure, deny oneself, forbear, forgo, give up, relinquish, withhold

Antonyms

consume

Scrabble Score: 9

abstain: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
abstain: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
abstain: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

abstain: valid Words With Friends Word