/əbˈsteɪn/
ab·stain
BrE /əbˈsteɪn/
NAmE /əbˈsteɪn/
[I]
~ (from sth)
to choose not to use a vote, either in favour of or against sth
Ten people voted in favour, five against and two abstained.
~ (from sth)
to decide not to do or have sth, especially sth you like or enjoy, because it is bad for your health or considered morally wrong
to abstain from alcohol/sex/drugs
~ (from sth)
(IndE)
to stay away from sth
The workers who abstained from work yesterday have been suspended.
➡ see also abstention, abstinence