abstinence
pronunciation
How to pronounce abstinence in British English:
UK [ˈæbstɪnəns]
How to pronounce abstinence in American English:
US [ˈæbstɪnəns]
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- Noun:
- the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
- act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
Word Origin
- abstinence (n.)
- mid-14c., "forbearance in indulgence of the appetites," from Old French abstinence (earlier astenance), from Latin abstinentia "abstinence, starvation; self-restraint, integrity," noun of quality from abstinentem (nominative abstinens), present participle of abstinere (see abstain). Specifically of sexual appetites from mid-14c., but also in Middle English of food, fighting, luxury.
Synonym
chastity abstemiousness refraining forbearing self-deprivation austerity asceticism self-abnegation refrainment restraint selfrestraint fasting forbearance from continence nonindulgence Purtanism desistance celibacy abstaining self-denial moderation abstention restraining
Example
- 1. Many teenagers just snort at ' abstinence only ' messages .
- 2. When abstinence is the only choice , an ascetic frame of mind comes easy .
- 3. But the end to gruelling daylight abstinence and excessive night-time revelry is not the only relief .
- 4. What you really need to do to persuade your partner of the benefits of abstinence in relation to your love life is , of course , to have some fabulous sober sex .
- 5. Social conservatives have recently argued that " abstinence until marriage builds character and self-control . "