abstains from
[əbˈsteɪnz frəm]
verb phrase
abstém-se de
1. voluntarily refrains from doing, consuming, or participating in something
He abstains from alcohol for health reasons.
Ele se abstém de álcool por razões de saúde.
2. deliberately avoids or declines to take part in an activity or decision
The senator abstains from voting on controversial bills.
O senador se abstém de votar em projetos de lei controversos.
3. refrains from indulgence in something, often for moral or religious reasons
Many people abstain from meat during Lent.
Muitas pessoas se abstêm de carne durante a Quaresma.
In Brazil, abstention is commonly discussed in religious contexts (particularly Catholic observances like Lent) and political voting scenarios. The phrase reflects a conscious, often moral or principled decision to avoid something. In the USA, it's frequently used in political discourse, voting procedures, and health/lifestyle discussions.
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