abstention

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /əbˈstɛn.ʃn̩/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /æbˈstɛn.ʃn̩/ or /əbˈstɛn.ʃn̩/ or /æbˈstɛn.t͡ʃn̩/ or /əbˈstɛn.t͡ʃn̩/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

Singular abstention

Plural abstentions

1. (uncountable) Abstention is when someone is abstaining from something or when someone does not take part in something. It's usually used to refer to not drinking alcohol or not having sex.
   • Antonym: indulgence

   Abstention stops you from getting drunk.

   My brother's abstention protected him from sexually transmitted diseases.

Related words

• abstain