Definition of abstinence Abstinence

/æˈbstʌnʌns/ - [abstununs] - ab•sti•nence

We found 12 definitions of abstinence from 7 different sources.

What does abstinence mean?

Noun Plural: abstinences
abstinence - act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
		self-control, self-discipline, self-denial the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior
		sexual abstention, celibacy, chastity an unmarried status
		temperance, sobriety the act of tempering
		teetotaling, teetotalism abstaining from alcohol
		fast, fasting abstaining from food
		inhibition, suppression (psychology) the conscious exclusion of unacceptable thoughts or desires
abstinence - the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
		abstention
		self-discipline, self-denial the trait of practicing self discipline

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

abstinence (Noun)
Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/ alcoholic beverages; total abstinence ; teetotalism.
abstinence (Noun)
Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse , either permanently or until marriage.
abstinence (Noun)
The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything.
abstinence (Noun)
Delay of spending to accrue capital.

abstinence (n.)
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.
abstinence (n.)
The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.

abstinence
The voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities.

abstinence
From the Persian ab, water, and stein, or tankard. Hence, water-tankard, or "water wagon."

Abstinence is a voluntary restraint from following a desire or appetite for certain bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure. Most frequently, the term refers to abstention from sexual intercourse, alcohol or food. The practice can arise from religious prohibitions or practical considerations.

In India, Buddhists, Jains, and some Hindus abstain from eating meat on the grounds both of health and of reverence for all sentient forms of life. Total abstinence from feeding on the flesh of cows is a hallmark of Hinduism.