abstain
ab·stain
/əbˈsteın/ verb , -stains, -stained, -stain·ing [ no obj ]
1 : to choose not to do or have something
— usually + from
He abstained from taking part in the discussion.
I need to abstain from eating [=I need to not eat] for at least 12 hours before my blood test.
abstain from (drinking) alcohol
2 : to choose not to vote
Ten members voted for the proposal, six members voted against it, and two abstained.
ab·stain·er noun , pl -ers [ count ]
