verb
abstain
ub-STAYN/əbˈsteɪn/
To deliberately refrain from an available action.
The woman abstains from drinking wine, politely declining the offered glass.
Etymology
“Away” plus “hold” gives the image of holding oneself back. This became voluntary restraint: deliberately keeping yourself from an action or from consuming something.
In context
So should you abstain from sex while fasting during this season? No. Unless both partners agree to do so for a short time of focused prayer.
More examples
- He abstains from alcohol during training.
- Three members abstained because of conflicts of interest.
- The agreement requires both sides to abstain from further attacks.
Forms
abstain · abstains · abstained · abstaining