continence

con·ti·nence

noun \ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s\

Definition of CONTINENCE

1

: self-restraint; especially : a refraining from sexual intercourse

2

: the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily <fecal continence>

Examples of CONTINENCE

1. <argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers>
2. <experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult>

First Known Use of CONTINENCE

14th century

Related to CONTINENCE

Synonyms: abstinence, chasteness, chastity, celibacy

Antonyms: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words: modesty, purity; honor, innocence, virginity, virtue

Near Antonyms: debauchery, lechery, licentiousness, venery, wenching, whoring

see all synonyms and antonyms

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