abstain
Decline to partake
To abstain is to hold back from doing something, especially when you have the option or desire to do it.
The word usually implies deliberate restraint: She abstained from alcohol during pregnancy, Three senators abstained from the vote.
Abstaining from a vote means declining to cast one rather than voting for or against.
The noun is abstinence.
Abstain from acting
decline · opt out · skip · hold back · pass · sit out · go without · do without
Mental strength resisting impulse
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- self-restraintVoluntary impulse control
- restraintControl over impulses
- self-denialRestraining one's own desires
moderation · temperance · forbearance · resolve · determination · fortitude · continence · prudence
Formally give up
- abjureSolemnly reject or recant
- forsakeAbandon completely
- relinquishVoluntarily give up control
- sacrificeGiving up something precious
give up · eschew · shun · spurn · reject · abandon · disavow · disclaim
Free from intoxication
- teetotalismTotal sobriety as principle
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- dryFree from moisture
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
AA · twelve-step · clean · on the wagon · prohibition · clearheaded · designated driver · sobriety
Voting document
- electionOrganized public voting
- neutralNot favoring any side
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
- spoiled ballotDisqualified voting paper
voter apathy · boycott · sit out · quorum · roll call · proxy
Speedy, or skip eating
- LentChristian fasting season
- RamadanNinth Islamic month
- Yom KippurAnnual Jewish atonement observance
- cleanseRemove dirt or sin
detox · purify · asceticism · austerity · religious observance · penance · dietary restriction · intermittent
refrain
Abstain from acting
avoid · decline · opt out · skip · hold back · pass · sit out · go without · do without · leave alone
willpower
Mental strength resisting impulse
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- self-restraintVoluntary impulse control
- restraintControl over impulses
self-denial · moderation · temperance · forbearance · resolve · determination · fortitude · continence · prudence · discretion
renounce
Formally give up
- abjureSolemnly reject or recant
- forsakeAbandon completely
- relinquishVoluntarily give up control
sacrifice · give up · eschew · shun · spurn · reject · abandon · disavow · disclaim · abnegate
sober
Free from intoxication
- teetotalismTotal sobriety as principle
- temperanceHabitual moderation in behavior
- dryFree from moisture
recovery · AA · twelve-step · clean · on the wagon · prohibition · clearheaded · designated driver · sobriety · straight edge
ballot
Voting document
- electionOrganized public voting
- neutralNot favoring any side
- nonpartisanNot aligned politically
spoiled ballot · voter apathy · boycott · sit out · quorum · roll call · proxy
fast
Speedy, or skip eating
- LentChristian fasting season
- RamadanNinth Islamic month
- Yom KippurAnnual Jewish atonement observance
cleanse · detox · purify · asceticism · austerity · religious observance · penance · dietary restriction · intermittent
celibacy
Abstaining from intimate relations
- chastityAbstaining from sexual activity
- virginityAbsence of carnal experience
- purityUncontaminated quality
continence · vow · monastery · convent · ascetic · unmarried · restraint
abstainindulge
Satisfy a craving
overindulge · consume · partake · gorge · ingest
abstainvote
Formal choice expression
decide · cast a vote · commit · take a stand · weigh in