/ab stayn"/ , v.i.
1. to hold oneself back voluntarily, esp. from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually fol. by from ): to abstain from eating meat.
2. to refrain from casting one's vote: a referendum in which two delegates abstained.
[ 1350-1400; ME abste ( i ) nen abstenir abstinere, equiv. to abs- ABS- + -tinere, comb. form of tenere to hold, keep ]
Syn. 1. forbear; desist, cease.
Ant. 1. indulge.