Abstain

Verb

Definition: To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.

Synonyms: Refrain, Desist, Avoid, Forgo

Antonyms: Indulge, Partake, Engage

Examples:

She decided to abstain from eating dessert to maintain her diet.
The recovering alcoholic had to abstain from drinking alcohol.

Mnemonics:

"Abstain" sounds like "absence," meaning to be absent or not present.
Think of "abstain" as "abs-tinge" - removing the tinge or desire for something.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English from Old French abstiner, from Latin abstinent- 'withholding oneself', from abstinere, from ab- 'from' + tenere 'to hold'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since the late Middle English period and originated from French and Latin roots.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Abstain from voting"

Explanation:

Refrain from casting a vote or participating in a vote.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "abstain" with "refrain" or "avoid."

Explanation:

While "refrain" and "avoid" have similar meanings, "abstain" specifically refers to restraining oneself from doing or enjoying something, often used in the context of deliberately not indulging in a particular activity or pleasure.