First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
abstinence
noun ab·sti·nence \ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\
: the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable : the practice of abstaining from something
Full Definition of ABSTINENCE
1
: voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods
2
a : habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages b : abstention from sexual intercourse
— ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ adjective
— ab·sti·nent·ly adverb
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Origin of ABSTINENCE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinēre
Related to ABSTINENCE
- Synonyms
- continence, self-abnegation, self-denial, sobriety, temperance
- Antonyms
- self-indulgence
Other Christian Religious Terms
ABSTINENT Defined for Kids
abstinence
noun ab·sti·nence \ˈab-stə-nəns\
Definition of ABSTINENCE for Kids
: an avoidance by choice especially of certain foods or of liquor
Medical Dictionary
abstinence
noun ab·sti·nence \ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\
Medical Definition of ABSTINENCE
1
: voluntary forbearance especially from sexual intercourse or from eating some foods
2
: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages
—ab·sti·nent \-nənt\ adjective
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