Abstain — Defs

01 v. i. To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.

imp. & p. p. Abstained; p. pr. & vb. n. Abstaining

1.
To hold one's self aloof; to forbear or refrain voluntarily, and especially from an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from.
“Not a few abstained from voting.” — Macaulay.

“Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt?” — Shak.

Syn. To refrain; forbear; withhold; deny one's self; give up; relinquish.

02 v. t. To hinder; to withhold.