1. refraining from indulging in or partaking of something, especially alcohol or food
Usage: present participle of abstain
2. choosing not to vote in an election or on a particular issue
Usage: political context

Examples

• She is abstaining from sugar for the month of January.
• The senator announced he would be abstaining from the vote.
• Many people are abstaining from alcohol during their fitness journey.
• The committee member is abstaining due to a conflict of interest.
• He’s been abstaining from social media to focus on his studies.
• Three council members are abstaining from the controversial decision.