abstinence
ab·sti·nence
noun \ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\Definition of ABSTINENCE
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
Examples of ABSTINENCE
- 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>
Origin of ABSTINENCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinēre
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to ABSTINENCE
Antonyms: self-indulgence
Related Words: control, forbearance, restraint; discipline, self-command, self-control, self-discipline, self-mastery; asceticism, austerity
Near Antonyms: gluttony, greed, rapaciousness, rapacity, voraciousness, voracity; hedonism, sensuality, sybaritism
Other Christian Religious Terms
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