1. Third person singular preterite of the reflexive verb 'abster-se', meaning to refrain from or abstain from participating in something
He abstained from voting on the controversial proposal.
Ele absenteve-se de votar na proposta controversa.
2. To withdraw or remove oneself from a situation or event
She absented herself from the meeting without explanation.
Ela absenteve-se da reunião sem explicação.