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eb68db_35bdebbe181d4bf7b276e0d3921b4edb.mp3
refrain, indulge, partake, engage
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avoid,decline,desist,eschew,forbear,forgo,renounce,resist,shun,withhold
Denial and Defiance, Departure and Leaving, Elimination and Suspension, Medical Conditions and Treatments, Middle School 13, Restraint and Moderation
abstain
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Dictionary definition of abstain
To voluntarily refrain from doing something, especially from engaging in a particular behavior, action, or consumption.
"The athlete chose to abstain from alcohol in order to maintain their fitness level."
Detailed meaning of abstain
When someone abstains from something, they choose not to participate in it, often for reasons related to personal choice, principles, health, or moral beliefs. Abstaining can apply to various aspects of life, such as abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, or certain foods for health reasons, abstaining from voting on a particular issue, or abstaining from engaging in certain activities due to ethical concerns. It's an intentional act of self-restraint, emphasizing the decision to avoid or withhold from a particular action or indulgence.
Example sentences containing abstain
1. He chose to abstain from alcohol for his health.
2. They decided to abstain from voting in the election.
3. To lose weight, she must abstain from sugary snacks.
4. It's wise to abstain from smoking to improve lung health.
5. Many athletes abstain from caffeine during competitions.
6. He promised to abstain from making negative comments.
History and etymology of abstain
The verb 'abstain' has its origins in Latin, originating from the word 'abstinēre,' which combines 'ab,' meaning 'away from,' and 'tenēre,' meaning 'to hold' or 'to keep.' In Latin, 'abstinēre' meant to hold oneself back or refrain from something, often with a sense of self-discipline or self-control. This concept of voluntarily refraining from engaging in a particular behavior, action, or consumption has carried through to the modern usage of 'abstain.' When someone 'abstains,' they choose to hold themselves back and consciously avoid a certain activity or indulgence, typically for reasons related to health, morality, or personal discipline. The etymology of 'abstain' underscores the idea of self-restraint and the deliberate act of keeping away from something, emphasizing the voluntary nature of the decision not to participate in a specific activity.
Further usage examples of abstain
1. To avoid allergies, she had to abstain from dairy products.
2. They agreed to abstain from arguing during the trip.
3. The doctor advised him to abstain from strenuous exercise.
4. She'll abstain from social media for a digital detox.
5. To maintain focus, students should abstain from distractions.
6. The pledge was to abstain from gossiping about colleagues.
7. Some cultures abstain from certain foods during festivals.
8. He's determined to abstain from junk food this month.
9. The doctor recommended patients abstain from caffeine.
10. They decided to abstain from discussing politics.
11. For a clean drug test, athletes must abstain from doping.
12. To promote mindfulness, he'll abstain from multitasking.
13. They chose to abstain from using plastic to reduce waste.
14. He'll abstain from speaking until he has all the facts.
15. She decided to abstain from eating meat for ethical reasons.
16. He decided to abstain from voting in the election due to a lack of confidence in the candidates.
17. The doctor advised the patient to abstain from smoking in order to improve their health.
18. She made the difficult decision to abstain from social media for a month in order to improve her mental health.
19. The religious leader encouraged his followers to abstain from engaging in harmful behaviors.
20. He decided to abstain from participating in the heated debate in order to maintain his neutral stance.
21. The organization's policy required all employees to abstain from accepting gifts from clients.
22. She chose to abstain from attending the controversial event in order to avoid confrontation.
23. The committee member abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest.
24. He decided to abstain from drinking alcohol during the workweek to maintain productivity.
25. The protester chose to abstain from eating in order to draw attention to the issue of hunger.
