<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy (usually followed by from): to abstain from eating meat.</li><li>Synonyms: cease, desist, forbear</li><li>Antonyms: indulge</li><li>to refrain from casting one's vote: a referendum in which two delegates abstained.</li></ul>