chastity

noun

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chas·ti·ty | \ ˈcha-stə-tē

Definition of chastity

1 : the quality or state of being chaste: such as

a : abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse

b : abstention from all sexual intercourse The priest took a vow of chastity.

c : purity in conduct and intention sought to protect her threatened chastity

d : restraint and simplicity in design or expression … describes the familiar campaigns with an admirable chastity of diction.— Richard Brookhiser

2 : personal integrity

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About chastity

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Examples of chastity in a Sentence

a saint who is often held up as a model of chastity vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

Recent Examples on the Web Her partner, Globe Master, had a chastity device on his genitals — the key to which hung around Miss Mia Mai’s neck. — Sarah Ravani, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 Sep. 2021 Light fragrances were associated with chastity and purity, while heavier smells — balsams, musk, amber, heavy woods and leather — were banished to the brothel. — New York Times, 10 May 2021 Brian argued that he was entitled to demand answers to the interrogatories because Briana broadly characterized her claim to include her chastity. — Jack Greiner, The Enquirer, 27 May 2021 Why did Tolstoy, proponent of Christian charity and chastity, so mistreat his wife and so endlessly get her pregnant? — Lisa Zeidner, Star Tribune, 8 Feb. 2021 Her priestesses, the Vestals, or Vestal Virgins, therefore took an oath of chastity for their 30-year term of service tending to the ever-burning sacred fire of Rome, Vesta’s sacred hearth, as well as other rites. — Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2020 Not everything needs to connect to the internet, particularly not chastity-promoting devices like the Qiui Cellmate. — Brian Barrett, Wired, 10 Oct. 2020 Egypt’s conservative culture typically ties female chastity to a family’s reputation. — Samy Magdy, chicagotribune.com, 24 Sep. 2020 Her legend is typical of female Christian saints: a vow of chastity, consecration to God, defiance of the temporal authorities (in her case the governor of Syracuse) and subsequent gruesome execution. — Teju Cole, New York Times, 23 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chastity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.