Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

abstinence theory

noun

Definition of abstinence theory

: a theory in economics: interest is a reward for economic abstinence

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of abstinence theory

1883, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about abstinence theory

Statistics for abstinence theory

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for abstinence theory

The first known use of abstinence theory was in 1883

See more words from the same year

Comments on abstinence theory

What made you want to look up abstinence theory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

ecstatic

Listen to the pronounciation of ecstatic

marked by a state of overwhelming emotion

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games