Main Entry:

ab·sti·nence

Pronunciation:

\ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinēre

Date:

14th century

1: voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods2 a: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages b: abstention from sexual intercourse

— ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ adjective

— ab·sti·nent·ly adverb