1. chooses not to do or have something, especially something enjoyable or tempting
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘abstain’
2. chooses not to vote in an election or on a particular issue
Usage: political context

Examples

• She abstains from eating meat for religious reasons.
• He abstains from alcohol completely.
• The senator abstains from voting on bills where he has a conflict of interest.
• During Lent, many Christians abstain from certain foods or activities.
• The judge abstains from commenting on pending cases.
• She abstains from social media during exam week.
• Three council members abstain from the controversial vote.