abstain from
verb phraseUK /əbˈsteɪn frɒm/
US /əbˈsteɪn frʌm/
To choose not to do or have something.
She decided to abstain from eating candy for a month.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. To not vote either for or against something.
Two members chose to abstain from the vote.
3. To stay away from something on purpose, like a place or activity.
He abstained from the party because he had to study.
4. To not drink alcohol.
My uncle abstains from alcohol at every family dinner.
5. To keep yourself from doing something you want to do.
The kids abstained from opening the presents early.