abstain

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabstineō“to hold oneself back”
2. Old French · derived fromastenir
3. Middle English · inherited fromabsteynen
4. English todayabstain

First attested around 1380. From Middle English absteynen, absteinen, abstenen, from Old French astenir, abstenir, from Latin abstineō (“to hold oneself back”) from abs- (“from”) + teneō (“to hold”). See also tenable.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• Attested from around 1350 to 1470 until the mid 16ᵗʰ century. Keep or withhold oneself.
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. Refrain from (something or doing something); keep from doing, especially an indulgence.
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. To refrain from drinking alcohol.
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. Fast (not eat for a period).
• First attested around 1350 to 1470. Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
• Attested from the early 16ᵗʰ century until the mid 17ᵗʰ century. Hinder; keep back; withhold.