abstain
ub-STAYNverbMeaning to choose not to do or have something
Memory hook AB + STAIN: stay away from the STAIN. At the party, Zoe keeps away from the chocolate fountain so nothing will stain her white dress: she abstains.
Grandpa abstains from coffee after lunch so he can sleep at night.
In context Most of the club voted yes, two voted no, and Felix chose to abstain, saying he had not read the plan carefully enough to vote either way.
Similar refrain, hold back, avoid, forgo
Opposite indulge, partake
From Latin abstinere, “to hold back”: abs- (away) + tenere (to hold).