abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
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 adjective
abstinently adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The next day marked the beginning of abstinence from those items or the Lenten season. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 The 39-year-old actor has had his fair share of odd jobs, including catering deviled eggs, waffles, and other treats, and teaching abstinence to high schoolers. Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2025 Those leaders encouraged independent Black education, community development, abstinence from drugs and alcohol and many other changes. Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025 Thus Mardi Gras is that last party before the marked time of abstinence. Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abstinence

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of abstinence was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

abstinence

noun
ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
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 adjective
abstinently adverb

Medical Definition

abstinence

noun
ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages
abstinent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abstinence

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