incontinence
Americannoun
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the inability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.
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Philosophy: Older Use. a lack of self-control, especially of sexual desire.
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Rare. emotional incontinence.
Etymology
Origin of incontinence
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Old French or Latin incontentia “incontinence (of urine); lack of self-control,” equivalent to in- negative prefix + continentia “a holding back, retention”; see origin at in- 3 ( def. ) continence
Explanation
Incontinence is a lack of control. Sometimes that means you can't help but pee your pants. Another, more pleasant type of incontinence has to do with being undisciplined and addicted to life's pleasures. You probably don't want anything to do with incontinence. It could mean you're wetting the bed. It could also mean you're pooping your pants. Incontinence is something we expect of babies, but it can also happen to very sick or old people. Another kind of incontinence has to do with not being in control of your life. If you can't stop spending money, drinking, and staying out late, that's a type of incontinence, too.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Incontinence is a side effect of prostate cancer treatment and the charity Prostate Cancer UK says men can face anxiety over what to do with used incontinence pads.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2023
Incontinence can be a symptom of late-stage neurosyphilis, but the historical record is inconclusive.
From Slate • May 14, 2020
Incontinence, ataxia and overreaction to sound and other stimulus is common, while in more severe cases a lowered heart rate can potentially prove fatal.
From The Guardian • Feb. 5, 2019
Incontinence is the line that drives people send to eventually send their family to nursing homes.
From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2017
A great wind from outside of the precipice kept the flames from raging beyond the path; and in the midst of the fire went spirits expiating the sin of Incontinence.
From Stories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 1 by Dante Alighieri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
