Associations to the word «Abstain»

Wiktionary

ABSTAIN, verb. (transitive) (reflexive) (obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself. [Attested from around 1350 to 1470 until the mid 16th century.]
ABSTAIN, verb. (intransitive) Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
ABSTAIN, verb. (intransitive) (obsolete) Fast. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
ABSTAIN, verb. (intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
ABSTAIN, verb. (transitive) (obsolete) Hinder; keep back; withhold. [Attested from the early 16th century until the mid 17th century.]

Dictionary definition

ABSTAIN, verb. Refrain from voting.
ABSTAIN, verb. Choose not to consume; "I abstain from alcohol".

Wise words

Words are always getting conventionalized to some secondary meaning. It is one of the works of poetry to take the truants in custody and bring them back to their right senses.
William Butler Yeats