Main Entry: ab·stain

Pronunciation: \əb-ˈstān, ab-\

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle English absteinen, from Anglo-French asteign-, absteign-, stem of astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstinēre, from abs-, ab- + tenēre to hold — more at thin

Date: 14th century

: to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice <abstain from drinking>

— ab·stain·er noun