abstain
to hold back from doing or taking something
Roots
- ab / abs: away, from, off, down, or apart
- ten / tain: hold or keep
Other words with the ten / tain root
- contain: to hold inside
- content: satisfied; also something held inside
- contented: satisfied or at peace
- detain: to hold back
- discontent: dissatisfaction or unrest
- impertinent: rude or not properly relevant
- malcontent: dissatisfied person, often rebellious or resentful
Abstain is holding yourself away from an action.
She abstained from guessing when the sentence gave no evidence.