abstain

• Meaning  -  refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote;

• Synonyms -  refrain, withhold, resist.

• Antonyms -  pursue, persist.

• Usage -  After considering the effect of alcohol on his athletic performance, he decided to abstain from drinking while he trained for the race.

• Remember -  ab (meaning away) + stain : we generally tend to stay away from stain (dirt, dust etc)