to not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad

abstain from He took a vow to abstain from alcohol/smoking/sex. 他发誓戒酒／戒烟／禁欲。

to decide not to use your vote

63 members voted in favour, 39 opposed, and 15 abstained. 63名成员投票赞成，39票反对，15票弃权。

to stay away from work

During a recent general strike, employees of all major trade unions abstained. 在最近一次大型罢工期间，所有大型工会的成员都拒绝工作。