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English Dictionary - With Multi-Lingual Search Definitions abstain verb  (intransitive) refrain, Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites; -- with from. (intransitive) To shun voluntarily. Not a few abstained from voting. - Macaulay Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? - Shakespeare, Richard II, II-i (intransitive) Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present. (transitive) hinder, Hinder; withhold. Whether he men from marrying. - Milton Etymology: From Old English absteynen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstinere, abstentum, "keep or refrain from"; from prefix abs- "from", + tenere, "hold". See tenable.      Full Definition of abstain  Find:   Words Starting With:   Words Ending With:   Words Containing:   Words That Match:    Translate Into:    Dutch   French   German    Italian   Spanish     Show 51015202550 results per page. Enter your search terms Submit search form   Web www.allwords.com Browse the Dictionary A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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