abstenerse
abstain
The Spanish word 'abstenerse' translates to 'abstain' in English. This word derives from Latin and is a reflexive verb which means to hold oneself back from doing something, not to do something, or to refrain from an action. This word is frequently applicable in the context of voting where a voter chooses not to vote, or in a context where someone does not take part in a particular event or refrains from consuming certain foods or drinks.
Example sentences using: abstenerse
Se deben abstenerse de hacer comentarios ofensivos.
They should abstain from making offensive comments.
This sentence is instructive, urging people not to make offensive comments. 'Abstenerse' is used here in its infinitive form to indicate the action someone should refrain from.
Los menores de edad tienen que abstenerse de beber alcohol.
Underage people must refrain from drinking alcohol.
This is a declarative sentence. It uses 'abstenerse' to express an action that underage people must avoid in order to respect the law or guidelines, specifically, avoiding the consumption of alcohol.
Me voy a abstenerse de votar en estas elecciones.
I'm going to abstain from voting in these elections.
This sentence is an example of using 'abstenerse' in the first person present tense to indicate that the speaker is personally deciding not to participate in a specific action, in this case, voting in the elections.