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Abstain vs Restraint - What's the difference?

abstain | restraint |

As a verb abstain

is (transitive|reflexive|obsolete) keep or withhold oneself .

As a noun restraint is

(countable) something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures.

abstain

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (transitive, reflexive, obsolete) Keep or withhold oneself.
  • Refrain from (something); hold one's self aloof; to forbear or keep from doing, especially an indulgence of the passions or appetites.
  • * Who abstains from meat that is not gaunt? - Shakespeare, Richard II, II-i
  • (obsolete) Fast.
  • Deliberately refrain from casting one's vote at a meeting where one is present.
  • * Not a few abstained from voting. -
  • (obsolete) Hinder; keep back; withhold.
  • * Whether he abstain men from marying [sic]. -

    • Usage notes

    * (keep or withhold oneself) Followed by the word from' or ' of . * (refrain from something) Followed by the word from .

    Synonyms

    * deny oneself * forbear * forgo * give up * refrain * relinquish * withhold

    Derived terms

    * abstention

    Related terms

    * abstinence

    References

    Anagrams

    *

    restraint

    English

    (wikipedia restraint)

    Noun

  • (countable) something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures
    • Make sure all the restraints are tight.
  • (uncountable) control or caution; reserve
    • Try to exercise restraint when talking to your boss.
  • * November 2 2014 , Daniel Taylor, " Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk
    • City will feel nonplussed when they review the tape and Pellegrini had to summon all his restraint in the post-match interviews.

    Related terms

    * constraint * restrain