abstinence

noun

ab·sti·nence | \ ˈab-stə-nən(t)s

Definition of abstinence

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

2a : habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages

b : abstention from sexual intercourse

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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

Most of the content was based on heterosexual relationships and abstinence. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "What These 4 Young People Want You to Know About HIV," 10 Apr. 2019 Relaxation of laws on fasting and abstinence throughout the Nation because of rationing and wartime conditions yesterday was announced by high dignitaries of the Catholic Church. — Johnny Miller, San Francisco Chronicle, "Black Panther Bobby Seale speaks at S.F. State," 28 Feb. 2018 This year, Ash Wednesday coincides with Valentine's Day, setting up a curious confluence of decadence and abstinence. — The Enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Ash Wednesday: Wearing ashes marks the beginning of Lent," 14 Feb. 2018 The prescription: a month of abstinence from all except the essentials, like work email and texts with family. — Alexander George, Popular Mechanics, "A Computer Scientist's Guide To Dumping the Needless Tech In Your Life," 25 Feb. 2019 In addition to abstinence, which is already taught, students will learn that PrEP and condoms can help prevent transmission of the virus. — Debbie Truong, Washington Post, "Fairfax students to learn about HIV prevention pill in health classes," 18 June 2018 Seven participants have died in the last year, all of them after a period of abstinence in jail, in the hospital, or in detox, which can dangerously lower a person’s opioid tolerance. — Aubrey Whelan, Philly.com, "Philadelphia clears its heroin camps this week. This housing program could be a key," 29 May 2018 The notes and emails showed that three appointees with strict pro-abstinence beliefs — including Valerie Huber, the then-chief of staff for the department's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health — guided the process to end the program. — NBC News, "HHS agrees to protect some funds for teen pregnancy prevention program," 28 Mar. 2018 Of course, internet abstinence feels a lot easier with the promise of relaxation and luxury as a reward. — Carrie Battan, Harper's BAZAAR, "Escaping the Seduction of Your Smartphone," 26 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abstinence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.