v.
Pronunciation: ə b- ' st ā n, ab-
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English absteinen, from Anglo-French asteign-, absteign-, stem of astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstin ē re, from abs-, ab- + ten ē re 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