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 of abstinence

• 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

The fasting and abstinence are to practice self-control and come from the original penitence practice of the observation. —Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 26 Feb. 2026

Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026

Holy Thursday isn't considered a day of fasting or abstinence. —Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026

In this case, there are alternative options that don't have to include total abstinence from eating at a local fish fry. —John Shumway, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

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