abstinent

[ ab-stuh-nuhnt ]

See synonyms for abstinent on Thesaurus.com

adjective

practicing abstinence; refraining from any indulgence of a particular appetite, impulse, or desire, as from alcohol, sexual activity, social media, etc.: In the study, 30 participants were abstinent for 8 hours from their smartphones while 30 participants practiced normal use.
refraining from using a substance or engaging in an activity to which one has become addicted: For several months I was abstinent, and mistakenly took this as proof I could control my gambling.

not casting a vote: The first feature of the group’s success is their ability to increase turnout among previously abstinent voters.

noun

a person who refrains from any indulgence of a particular appetite, habit, or addiction: I'm 21 years old and an abstinent—I used to do drugs, including LSD and speed, but I’ve quit.
a person who is eligible to vote but chooses not to do so: In comparison to those who vote, abstinents are mostly less satisfied with the political and social situation in their country.

Origin of abstinent

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Middle French, from Latin abstinent-, stem of abstinēns “avoiding,” present participle of abstinēre “to avoid, restrain, withhold,” literally, “to hold away from”; see abstain

Other words from abstinent

ab·sti·nent·ly, adverb

Words Nearby abstinent

How to use abstinent in a sentence

Of these, 43 million are “at risk” for pregnancy—the other 19 million are abstinent or sterile or already pregnant.
How Over-the-Counter Birth Control Could Screw You | Kent Sepkowitz | November 24, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Bristol Palin was not an abstinent teen—as evidenced by the 3-year-old son often seen resting on her hip.
Bristol Palin’s Blog: Her Take on Gay Marriage & More | Caitlin Dickson | May 11, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Participants were divided into four categories of drinking frequency: abstinent, moderate, hazardous, and alcohol-dependent.
Is Alcohol Really Good for You? | Alizah Salario | May 16, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
The lecturer was convinced that as a result of his lectures his students were exceptionally chaste and abstinent.
The Sexual Life of the Child | Albert Moll
He had sworn that he would maintain his manner of abstinent living till he fell in love with a girl who loved him in return.
Tramping on Life | Harry Kemp

But my poverty kept me abstinent and my youthful romanticism kept me chaste until my married life was well under way.
Tono Bungay | H. G. Wells
Another glutton, in contrast with whom Fordyce was an abstinent, was Dr. Beauford.
The Funny Side of Physic | A. D. Crabtre
It costs less than nothing to avoid overeating and overweight, and to be totally abstinent from alcohol and tobacco.
How to Live | Irving Fisher and Eugene Fisk

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