ab ‧ stain /əbˈsteɪn/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive]
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: abstenir , from Latin abstinere , from abs- 'away' + tenere 'to hold' ]
1 . to choose not to vote for or against something:
Six countries voted for the change, five voted against, and two abstained.
2 . to not do or have something you enjoy, especially alcohol or sex, usually for reasons of religion or health
abstain from
Pilots must abstain from alcohol for 24 hours before flying.