abstain
/əbˈsteɪn/
Group 4Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something GRE
Example in Context
Three members of the security council chose to abstain from the vote, signaling their discomfort with both sides of the resolution.
Synonyms
avoidrefrainhold back
Etymology
To hold oneself back from something, like a restraint.
- ab- (Latin) — from
- tenere (Latin) — to hold
Memory Aid
🚫Sounds like “a stain”
A giant stain on your shirt makes you ABSTAIN from wearing it out in public!
Visual Association
🛑A person dramatically stopping themselves from eating a delicious cake, looking mournful yet resolute.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “abstain” mean on the GRE?
abstain (verb) means “To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something”. Three members of the security council chose to abstain from the vote, signaling their discomfort with both sides of the resolution.
How to remember “abstain” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “abstain” sounds like “a stain”. A giant stain on your shirt makes you ABSTAIN from wearing it out in public!
What are synonyms for “abstain”?
Common synonyms: avoid, refrain, hold back.