ab·sti·nence
ˈab-stə-nən(t)s
1
: the practice of abstaining from something : the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable
… ate with a haste and an apparent relish, that seemed to betoken long abstinence from food.—Walter Scott
2
a
: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages
b
: abstention from sexual intercourse
abstinently
adverb
ab·sti·nent
ˈab-stə-nənt
: practicing abstinence : abstemious, continent, temperate
abstinently
adverb
ab·sti·nent
ˈab-stə-nənt
plural -s
1
: one that abstains
2
usually capitalized
: one of a 4th century Christian ascetic sect in southwestern Europe that rejected meat eating and held that the relation between the sexes should be purely spiritual compare priscillianist
Cite this Entry
“Abstinence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abstinence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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