abstinence

noun

ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
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 adjective
abstinently adverb

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 norms concerning meat abstinence apply to members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onward, and the norms of fasting are obligatory for Catholic followers aged 18 through 59, according to the conference. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 17 Jan. 2024 Educators and parents can talk about the dangers of counterfeit pills Clinicians, teachers and parents can emphasize drug abstinence and give information about reducing risks for those who experiment with drugs, such as where to find and use the overdose-reversal medication naloxone. The Indianapolis Star, 6 Jan. 2024 The 40 days of prayer, fasting and abstinence prepare Christians for the celebration of Easter. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 The study contrasts hardline approaches focused on complete abstinence, moving instead toward modern ideas on risk reduction to tamp down addiction. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 There are lots of cheerful green emojis on there, but their souls are black: content with living in bleak abstinence. Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 4 Jan. 2024 It is associated with preterm birth, stillbirth and neonatal abstinence syndrome. Erika Edwards, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2023 In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence (meaning Catholics should avoid meat). The Enquirer, 5 Jan. 2024 In 2020, this was shortened to a period of 90 days of abstinence. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abstinence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of abstinence was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near abstinence

Cite this Entry

“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

abstinence

noun
ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
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 adjective
abstinently adverb

Medical Definition

abstinence

noun
ab·​sti·​nence ˈab-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce abstinence (audio)
: the act or practice of abstaining especially from engagement in sexual intercourse or consumption of intoxicating beverages
abstinent adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on abstinence

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