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abstinence
[ ab-stuh-nuhns ]
/ ˈæb stə nəns /
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noun
forbearance from any indulgence of appetite, especially from the use of alcoholic beverages: total abstinence.
any self-restraint, self-denial, or forbearance.
Economics. the conserving of current income in order to build up capital or savings.
the state of being without a drug, as alcohol or heroin, on which one is dependent.
OTHER WORDS FOR abstinence
VIDEO FOR ABSTINENCE
What Does "Abstinence" Mean For You?
"Abstinence" is so very often about personal choices. That's why we should also try to abstain from judgment.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Also ab·sti·nen·cy [ab-stuh-nuhn-see] /ˈæb stə nən si/ .
Origin of abstinence
OTHER WORDS FROM abstinence
ab·sti·nent, adjectiveab·sti·nent·ly, adverbpro·ab·sti·nence, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH abstinence
abstention, abstinenceWords nearby abstinence
abstemious, abstention, abstentionism, abstergent, abstersive, abstinence, abstinence syndrome, abstinence theory, abstr., abstract, abstract algebra
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use abstinence in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for abstinence
abstinence
/ (ˈæbstɪnəns) /
noun
the act or practice of refraining from some action or from the use of something, esp alcohol
mainly RC Church the practice of refraining from specific kinds of food or drink, esp from meat, as an act of penance
Derived forms of abstinence
abstinent, adjectiveWord Origin for abstinence
C13: via Old French from Latin abstinentia, from abstinēre to abstain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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