abstain
/əb'stein/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To choose not to do or have something, especially something you enjoy or desire, often for reasons of health or principle: The core meaning involves a deliberate decision to refrain from a particular action or consumption.
- To formally choose not to vote on a proposal or in an election: A specific usage in formal contexts like meetings or legislatures.
Usage and Examples
- Refraining from consumption or action:
- She decided to abstain from eating meat for ethical reasons.
- Many doctors advise patients to abstain from smoking.
- Refraining from voting:
- Three members of the committee chose to abstain on the controversial motion.
- If you cannot support either candidate, you may abstain in the election.
Advanced Usage
- "to abstain from": This is the standard prepositional phrase used with this verb. The object is the activity or item being avoided.
- The treaty requires nations to abstain from the use of chemical weapons.
- Legal/Medical Context: Often used in formal warnings or advice.
- You are advised to abstain from alcohol while taking this medication.
Variants and Related Words
- Abstention (noun): The act or practice of abstaining.
- There were five votes in favor, three against, and two abstentions.
- Abstainer (noun): A person who abstains, especially from alcohol.
- He has been a total abstainer for ten years.
Synonyms
- Refrain: To stop oneself from doing something. (e.g., )
- Forgo (or Forego): To give up or do without. (e.g., )
- Desist: To stop doing something. (More formal) (e.g., )
Antonyms
- Indulge: To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something.
- Partake: To join in an activity or to consume something.
Notes on Meaning
- Volition: "Abstain" always implies a conscious, voluntary choice. It is not used for being forced to stop something.
- Temporality: It can refer to a temporary or permanent act of refraining. Context usually makes this clear.
Verb
- choose not to consume
- I abstain from alcohol
- refrain from voting