abstinence
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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
See 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
- Synonyms
- continence, self-abnegation, self-denial, sobriety, temperance
- Antonyms
- self-indulgence
Other Christian Religious Terms
ab·sti·nence
noun \ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of ABSTINENCE
1
: voluntary forbearance especially from sexual intercourse or from eating some foods
2
: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages
—ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ (audio pronunciation) adjective
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