The word "abstaining" means to choose not to do or have something, especially when it relates to not participating in a particular activity or not consuming a certain substance. Full definition
Still others hope to gain any number of health benefits from abstaining from the wheat protein. (blog.nkdnutrition.com)
Shadow work and pensions secretary, Debbie Abrahams, said the vote was «a major defeat for the government on their flagship welfare reform programme» but condemned the Tory MPs for abstaining on the issue. (theguardian.com)
The judge was not justified in holding that the councillors who abstained from voting were acting under a misapprehension of law or were influenced by immaterial considerations as a result of wrong advice.» (newlawjournal.co.uk)