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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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for abstinence
The first known use of abstinence was in the 13th century
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