abstinence

1 voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites a cleric vainly preaching abstinence in a world where self-indulgence is regarded as almost a virtue Synonyms continence, self-abnegation, self-denial, sobriety, temperance Related Words control, forbearance, restraint; discipline, self-command, self-control, self-discipline, self-mastery; asceticism, austerity Near Antonyms gluttony, greed, rapaciousness, rapacity, voraciousness, voracity; hedonism, sensuality, sybaritism Antonyms self-indulgence

2 abstention from sexual intercourse an AIDS-prevention program that relies primarily on abstinence Synonyms celibacy, chasteness, chastity, continenceRelated Words modesty, purity; honor, innocence, virginity, virtueNear Antonyms debauchery, lechery, licentiousness, venery, wenching, whoring