Abstain means to choose not to do or have something, usually with an effort of self-denial. It can also mean to choose not to vote. Here are some key points about abstaining:

• Abstaining involves holding oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy.
• It often requires conscious effort to choose not to do something that one would like to do.
• Abstaining can refer to refraining from consuming something that is considered a vice, such as unhealthy food.
• It can also refer to withholding a vote.

Examples of using abstain in a sentence include "The doctor insisted that Drew abstain from eating for at least 12 hours before his blood test" and "Ten members voted for the proposal, six members voted against it, and two abstained".