Definitions for abstain

abstain ab·stain

Spelling: [ab-steyn]
IPA: /æbˈsteɪn/

Abstain is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 9 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 11 points.

You can make 192 anagrams from letters in abstain (aabinst).

Definitions for abstain

verb (used without object)

  1. to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed by from):
  2. to refrain from casting one's vote:

Origin of abstain

1350-1400; Middle English abste(i)nen Middle French abstenir ≪ Latin abstinēre, equivalent to abs- abs- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre to hold, keep

Examples for abstain

Pollsters have been predicting disillusioned leftist voters are particularly likely to abstain.

Some especially well-bred people among us might be noble enough in spirit and possessions to abstain from this temptation.

I told him that he might abstain in future from such a mockery of love.

In fact, I publicly vowed to abstain from The Ball in 2012, but professional responsibilities and curiosity got the better of me.

I do not include Socrates, who is able either to drink or to abstain, and will not mind, whichever we do.

But the two also could abstain from caucusing with either party and possibly have even more clout.

So is everyone around you, even if you find a way to abstain.

Or would you abstain from using the potion altogether, although you have no reason for abstaining?'

Merely to abstain from definition was like a load taken off my mind.

Then we must abstain from spoiling the dead or hindering their burial?

Word Value for abstain
Scrable

9

Words with friends

11

Similar words for abstain
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