abstinence Definition
the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sex.
Using abstinence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "abstinence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He practiced abstinence from alcohol for a year.
Example
The couple decided to practice abstinence until marriage.
Example
She is a strong advocate for abstinence-only sex education.
abstinence Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for abstinence
- restraint
- temperance
- self-denial
- self-restraint
Antonyms for abstinence
Phrases with abstinence
refraining from sexual activity
Example
Many teenagers choose to practice sexual abstinence until they are older.
education that promotes abstinence from sexual activity as the only effective method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
Example
Abstinence education is often criticized for being ineffective and unrealistic.
a group of symptoms that occur when a person stops taking an addictive substance, such as drugs or alcohol
Example
The patient experienced severe withdrawal symptoms during his abstinence syndrome.
Origins of abstinence
from Latin 'abstinentia', meaning 'refraining'
Summary: abstinence in Brief
'Abstinence' [ˈæbstɪnəns] refers to the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol or sex. It is often associated with religious or moral beliefs, and can be used as a form of birth control or addiction recovery. Phrases like 'sexual abstinence' and 'abstinence education' use 'abstinence' to denote refraining from sexual activity or promoting it as the only effective method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
