Abstain

Abstain is a verb meaning to deliberately refrain from doing something, often for reasons of self-control, principle, or duty. The term can also appear as abstention, particularly in formal settings such as elections or meetings, where a participant chooses not to cast a yes or no vote. In everyday language, people may abstain from eating certain foods, from drinking alcohol, or from participating in activities for personal or moral reasons.

The word derives from the Latin abstinere, meaning to hold back. In parliamentary and organizational contexts, an abstention is a formal choice not to vote for or against a proposal. Rules about counting abstentions vary by jurisdiction and body; in some systems they are recorded separately, while in others they may influence margins of victory or the interpretation of the vote.

Abstinence is a related noun referring to the practice of refraining from certain pleasures or activities. It is commonly discussed in relation to alcohol, sexual activity, smoking, or other behaviors, and is associated with religious discipline, temperance movements, health programs, and certain dietary plans.

Related terms include refrain, decline, and forbearance. In usage, abstain emphasizes a conscious restraint rather than a direct opposition, whereas abstention underscores the formal act of not contributing a vote or decision in a given process.