noun
Uncommon
abstinence
AB-stih-nuhns
Abstinence (noun) means the practice of deliberately avoiding something one wants, such as food, alcohol, or sex. Example: “He practised total abstinence from alcohol after the diagnosis.”
noun
1
The practice of deliberately avoiding something one wants, such as food, alcohol, or sex.
"He practised total abstinence from alcohol after the diagnosis."
"The programme teaches abstinence as one method of prevention."
How to use abstinence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeliberately going without something, especially food, alcohol, or sex.
Common pairings
sexual abstinence
total abstinence
practise abstinence
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like abstinence.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- abstinences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He practised total _____ from alcohol after the diagnosis.
Etymology
From Old French abstinence, based on Latin abstinentia, from abstineo, "to hold back" — the noun form of "abstain."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for abstinence
See all rhymes for abstinence →Frequently asked questions
What does “abstinence” mean?
The word “abstinence” means the practice of deliberately avoiding something one wants, such as food, alcohol, or sex. In plain terms, deliberately going without something, especially food, alcohol, or sex.
How do you pronounce “abstinence”?
“Abstinence” is pronounced AB-stih-nuhns (/ˈæb.stɪ.nəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “abstinence” in a sentence?
Here is “abstinence” used in a sentence: “He practised total abstinence from alcohol after the diagnosis.”
What part of speech is “abstinence”?
“Abstinence” is a noun.
Where does the word “abstinence” come from?
The word “abstinence” comes from Latin. From Old French abstinence, based on Latin abstinentia, from abstineo, "to hold back" — the noun form of "abstain.".
Is “abstinence” a common word?
“Abstinence” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include abstinence:
