abstinence
NounUS[ab-stuh-nuhns]/ˈæbstənəns/3 syllables
Synonyms:
abstention
Open English WordNet
Noun (2)
- the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)Synonyms: abstentionType of self-discipline, self-denial
- act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetiteType of self-denial, self-disciplineKinds inhibition, chastity, fast, teetotaling, sobriety, sawm
Word of the day · Oct 28About this word
profoundadjective
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Ab′sti·nence (…), noun
Origin: F. abstinence, L. abstinentia, fr. abstinere. See Abstain.
1. The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, — called also total abstinence.
The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one.— John Locke
2. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
Penance, fasts, and abstinence, To punish bodies for the soul's offense.— John Dryden
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54