abstain

Universal Words verb [V] ~ (from sth) 1 to choose not to use a vote, either in favour of or against sth: Ten people voted in favour, five against and two abstained. 2 to decide not to do sth, especially sth you like or enjoy, because it is bad for your health or considered morally wrong: to abstain from alcohol / sex / drugs seealsoABSTINENCE, ABSTENTION