incontinence

[ in-kon-tn-uhns ]

noun

1. the inability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.
2. Philosophy: Older Use. a lack of self-control, especially of sexual desire.
3. Rare. emotional incontinence ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of incontinence¹

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”; in- ³( def ) continence

Example Sentences

Then, he confessed he feared his incontinence, caused by an untreated pinched nerve in his back, would keep him from finding love.

From The Daily Beast

Sitting at my computer desk I suddenly thought I understood what incontinence felt like.

From The Daily Beast

Incontinence, impotence, insomnia, and depression are terrible whether or not they're medicalized.

From The Daily Beast

Incontinence means transgressing the ordinary standards in respect of pleasure and pain.

From Project Gutenberg

But Guy's great fault, in this prudent world, was his absolute incontinence of money.

From Project Gutenberg

Where once gentility abode was now but a rancid and rude incontinence.

From Project Gutenberg

Incontinence is general, and the number of illegitimate children greater than those born in wedlock.

From Project Gutenberg

These three beasts typify the division of sins into those of incontinence, of violence, and of fraud.

From Project Gutenberg