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