What does abstainer mean?
An abstainer is a person who deliberately chooses not to do or consume something, with the term most often applied to those who refrain from drinking alcohol. A lifelong or total abstainer has made abstinence a permanent personal rule rather than a temporary measure. The word also appears in political and civic contexts, where an abstainer is someone who declines to vote either for or against a proposal, registering instead a neutral position. Derived from the verb "abstain," which traces back through Latin "abstinere" ("to hold back"), the noun emphasizes conscious restraint rather than mere absence of participation. It carries a neutral to slightly formal tone and is common in both British and American English. Related forms include "abstain," "abstinence," and "abstinent."
A person who deliberately refrains from doing or consuming something, especially alcohol.
"She had been a total abstainer since her twenties."
Frequently modified by "total," "strict," or "lifelong" when referring to alcohol.
A person who declines to vote or take a formal position on a matter.
"Three councillors were recorded as abstainers on the budget vote."
Regular plural; commonly used when referring to groups, particularly in voting contexts.
"The referendum saw a high number of abstainers among younger voters."
In British law, a "registered abstainer" can be exempted from jury duty — proof that not drinking is sometimes an official status.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abstainer
"Abstainer" derives from the verb "abstain," which entered English in the late Middle Ages from Latin "abstinere," meaning "to hold back or keep from," formed from "abs-" ("away from") and "tenere" ("to hold"). The agent noun form, marking a person who abstains, developed as English speakers applied the standard "-er" suffix to the verb. It shares its Latin root with words such as "abstinence," "sustain," "retain," and "contain," all of which preserve the sense of holding or keeping.
Related word forms
How abstainer is actually used
Most frequently encountered in the context of alcohol; "total abstainer" and "lifelong abstainer" are common fixed phrases. In political contexts, an abstainer is someone who formally declines to vote for or against a motion. The word carries a neutral to mildly formal register.
Easily confused with abstainer
"Abstainer" is the person who refrains from something, while "abstinence" is the practice or state of refraining itself.