abstinence

1
as in temperance
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue

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2
as in purity
abstention from sexual intercourse an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence

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Cite this Entry

“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abstinence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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