English
abstinence
Pronunciation
  • IPA: /ˈæb.stɪ.nəns/
Noun

abstinence

  1. The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
    Penance, fasts, and abstinence, / To punish bodies for the soul's offense. - John Dryden
    The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. — John Locke
    Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation. — St Augustine
    1. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism). [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
    2. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
    3. (ecclesiastical) Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
  2. The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything. [First attested around 1350 to 1470.]
  3. (obsolete) Self-denial; abstaining; or forebearance of anything. [First attested around 1150 to 1350.]
  4. (business) Delay of spending to accrue capital.
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