abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

1

: the practice of abstaining from something : the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable

… ate with a haste and an apparent relish, that seemed to betoken long abstinence from food.

—Walter Scott

2

a

: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages

b

: abstention from sexual intercourse

abstinent

ˈab-stə-nənt 

adjective

abstinently adverb

Synonyms

• continence
• self-abnegation
• self-denial
• sobriety
• temperance

Examples of abstinence in a Sentence

The program promoted sexual abstinence for young people.

a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue

Recent Examples on the Web

Texture was never Eastwood’s strong point; his films have mainly been stark and spare, with a sense of style that can nearly be defined as an abstinence from style. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2024

Those who knew Francis commonly attributed her longevity to her lifelong abstinence from alcohol and smoking. —Dawn Sawyer, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024

Approaches range from abstinence and legislative attempts to ban cell phones in the classroom to barrier methods, such as Yondr, which provides bags to sequester the objects during the day. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Many programs, however, enforce strict abstinence policies, disqualifying those who test positive for cannabis or its constituent cannabinoids from receiving treatment. —Joao P. De Aquino, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin abstinentia, noun derivative of abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinēre "to abstain"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

1

: an abstaining from giving in to an appetite or from eating some foods

2

a

: habitual abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages

b

: abstention from sexual intercourse

abstinent

-nənt 

adjective

abstinently adverb

Medical Definition

abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages

abstinent

-nənt 

adjective