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

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 The New York Mets prospect was rumored to be dating Olivia Culpo a few years ago and allegedly broke up because of his abstinence pledge. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "Tim Tebow confirms he's dating Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters," 16 July 2018 Teyonah Parris plays Lysistrata, who coaxes her friends to unite with her in abstinence until their lovers put down their guns. — Noel Murray, The Verge, "The BlacKkKlansman team previously made the daring Chi-Raq, now streaming on Amazon," 10 Aug. 2018 Nearly 2,000 of them were born with what's called newborn abstinence syndrome. — Fox News, "Mom's prenatal opioids may stunt kids' learning, study finds," 30 Aug. 2018 For example, Dillon said Sen. Bob Nonini, a Republican from Coeur d’Alene, waved a rosary while talking to students about abstinence but did not shout or demean the students. — Kimberlee Kruesi And Statesman Staff, idahostatesman, "Idaho lawmaker tells students to leave or he’ll call police | Idaho Statesman," 19 Feb. 2018 Some people report that marijuana relieves aches and anxiety, possibly contributing to opioid abstinence. — Rita Giordano, Philly.com, "Could marijuana help treat opioid addiction? Pennsylvania may soon find out," 6 July 2018 Some schools do not offer any program, some offer abstinence-only programs and some offer other types of programs. — Lauren Castle, azcentral, "Arizona groups offer health, housing help to LGBT youth," 14 July 2018 There’s a difference between abstinence and sobriety. — Katrine Jo Andersen, The New Republic, "Rejected by A.A.," 27 June 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.