abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
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 adjective
abstinently adverb

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 If people go back to drinking heavy amounts of alcohol after the month of abstinence, these health benefits will probably go away. Katia Hetter, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 Some may opt for abstinence because they're fed up with hookup culture and crave an emotional connection. David Oliver, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024 That state of affairs has diluted asceticism from the actual, if difficult, rejection of indulgence into a fetish for that abstinence. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2024 On one hand, my faith teaches me that abstinence is a virtue, a testament to my dedication to God. Hena Bryan, refinery29.com, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abstinence 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abstinence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of abstinence was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near abstinence

Cite this Entry

“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

abstinence

noun
ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
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 adjective
abstinently adverb

Medical Definition

abstinence

noun
ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages
abstinent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abstinence

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