abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

1

: the practice of abstaining from something : the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable

… ate with a haste and an apparent relish, that seemed to betoken long abstinence from food.

—Walter Scott

2

a

: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages

b

: abstention from sexual intercourse

abstinent

ˈab-stə-nənt 

adjective

abstinently adverb

Synonyms

• continence
• self-abnegation
• self-denial
• sobriety
• temperance

Examples of abstinence in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

The authors note the limitations in their shorter follow-up period after the social media hiatus and call for research that looks at the longer-term effects of SNS abstinence on a wider variety of users. —Alexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 8 Nov. 2023

Two scientific review papers found preaching abstinence to kids doesn’t prevent unwanted pregnancies or the transmitting of STDs. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 1 Nov. 2023

Beyond a handful of trials that emphasize the use of monoclonal antibodies to bind to methamphetamine molecules and prevent them from binding with brain receptors, there are markedly few medications under development meant to help people reduce stimulant use or fully achieve abstinence. —Lev Facher, STAT, 4 Oct. 2023

As your article pointed out, complete abstinence from substances is not always effective in a recovery experience and there is a great deal of quality science to support that this is the case. —Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2023

Like so many other prosecutors and judges, Slone believed abstinence was the only path to recovery. —Taylor Sisk, CBS News, 28 June 2023

But some evidence suggests that sperm quality changes after different periods of abstinence. —Yuliya Klochan, Health, 20 Oct. 2023

Faherty found that policies meant to punish mothers to prevent drug use had no effect on rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome. —Amy Yurkanin | [e-mail], al, 4 Aug. 2023

Notably, the agency also expressed openness to trial endpoints other than complete abstinence from drug use. —Lev Facher, STAT, 4 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin abstinentia, noun derivative of abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinēre "to abstain"

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

1

: an abstaining from giving in to an appetite or from eating some foods

2

a

: habitual abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages

b

: abstention from sexual intercourse

abstinent

-nənt 

adjective

abstinently adverb

Medical Definition

abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages

abstinent

-nənt 

adjective