celibacy

[ sel-uh-buh-see ]

/ ˈsɛl ə bə si /

abstention from sexual relations.

abstention by vow from marriage: the celibacy of priests.

the state of being unmarried.

Nearby words

1655–65; < Latin caelibā(tus) celibacy (caelib-, stem of caelebs single + -ātus -ate³) + -cy

cel·i·bat·ic

[sel-uh-bat-ik] /ˌsɛl əˈbæt ɪk/, adjective

Do you think that if the rules on celibacy were loosened, this would change things considerably?
Alex Gibney’s ‘Mea Maxima Culpa’: Sex, Lies, and the Catholic Church|Michael Moynihan|February 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
First undergo a rectal exam, celibacy lecture, and waiting period.
State Pols Outraged by Anti-Abortion Laws Push Onerous Restrictions on Viagra|Allison Yarrow|March 14, 2012|DAILY BEAST
After this warm appeal, the evangelists met at Einsidlen came to celibacy.
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Vol 2|J. H. Merle D'Aubign
Prejudices: celibacy of priests, futility of adultery, emancipation of woman.
Bouvard and Pcuchet, part 2|Gustave Flaubert

Between these the primal law of celibacy between brother and sister as such embraced the whole generation.
Social Origins and Primal Law|Andrew Lang
The light which he and his friends had acquired on the subject of celibacy was not generally diffused.
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Vol 2|J. H. Merle D'Aubign
On the one hand you are doomed to a life of celibacy—married to a woman whom you can never meet again.
'Farewell'|W. H. Stacpoole