celibacy

[sel-uh-buh-see]

See more synonyms for celibacy on Thesaurus.com

noun

abstention from sexual relations.
abstention by vow from marriage: the celibacy of priests.
the state of being unmarried.

Origin of celibacy

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

Related formscel·i·bat·ic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for celibacy

chastity, virginity, abstention, continence, singleness, purity, virtue, frigidity, impotence, maidenhood

Examples from the Web for celibacy

Contemporary Examples of celibacy

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
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
I had decided that celibacy was the way to go when I met a fellow combat arms officer, who was gay.
My Life as a Gay Officer
Anonymous
May 26, 2010

Historical Examples of celibacy

Such are the ideas which have given rise to the obligation of celibacy for priests.
The Sexual Question
August Forel
What are their vows of celibacy but conspiracies against us poor women?
The Eternal City
Hall Caine
Although it sounds paradoxical, yet there is a celibacy that is distinctly erotic.
Sex=The Unknown Quantity
Ali Nomad
The celibacy of the clergy should, in like manner, be forthwith granted.
The Rise of the Hugenots, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Henry Martyn Baird
It appears that many are opposed to celibacy of the clergy and auricular confession.
The Philippine Islands
John Foreman

Word Origin and History for celibacy

1660s, formed in English, with -cy + Latin caelibatus "state of being unmarried," from caelebs "unmarried," probably from PIE root *kaiwelo- "alone" + lib(h)s- "living."