abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

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

ˈab-stə-nənt 

adjective

abstinently adverb

Synonyms

• continence
• self-abnegation
• self-denial
• sobriety
• temperance

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

By 1982, schools in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio had challenged the book for not promoting abstinence or monogamy. —Shannon Carlin, Time, 8 May 2025

Studies suggest cannabis may help individuals maintain alcohol abstinence, with some patients reporting it as an effective substitute. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025

Content Creator on Giving Up Alcohol for a Year By Marni Rose McFall Live News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Gen Z is well known for their abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and their focus on health and wellness. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world attend Mass, receive ashes on their foreheads as a sign of repentance, and observe fasting and abstinence as prescribed by Church law. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

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

Kids Definition

abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

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

-nənt 

adjective

abstinently adverb

Medical Definition

abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s 

: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages

abstinent

-nənt 

adjective