ab·stain 
/əbˈsteɪn/ verb
ab·stains; ab·stained; ab·stain·ing /əbˈsteɪn/ verb [no obj] 1 : to choose not to do or have something — usually + from ▪ He abstained from taking part in the discussion. ▪ I need to abstain from eating [=I need to not eat] for at least 12 hours before my blood test. ▪ abstain from (drinking) alcohol 2 : to choose not to vote
▪ Ten members voted for the proposal, six members voted against it, and two abstained.
▪ Ten members voted for the proposal, six members voted against it, and two abstained.
— ab·stain·er noun, plural ab·stain·ers [count]
