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 foods
2 a : habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages b : abstention from sexual intercourse

— ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ adjective

— ab·sti·nent·ly adverb