abstinence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.

   Near-synonyms: abstentiousness, abstemiousness.

2. 2
   noun

   act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite

3. 3
   noun

   the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)

4. 4
   noun

   The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything.

From Middle English abstinence, from Old French abstinence, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēns, present participle of abstineō (“to withhold”). Equivalent to abstain + -ence.

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