continence

American  

[kon-tn-uhns] / ˈkɒn tn əns /

Also continency

noun

1. self-restraint or abstinence, especially in regard to sexual activity; temperance; moderation.

2. Physiology. the ability to voluntarily control urinary and fecal discharge.

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Other Word Forms

• noncontinence
  noun
• noncontinency
  noun
• uncontinence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of continence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word continentia. See continent, -ence

Explanation

Continence refers to self control. It’s the ability to hold it all in. The word continence come from the Latin continentia which means "a holding back.” It hasn’t changed much — continence means holding back bodily functions. It’s often used in the negative, incontinence, which describes a situation you get into with babies or sick people, where they can’t control their bowels. In another sense, continence is a little like abstinence, but while abstinence is refraining from sex, usually for a religious reason, continence refers to the ability to do so.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

continence

The brain’s ability to regulate bodily functions, like swallowing and continence, erodes.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 7, 2025

A mother who feared her two-year-old son's untreated constipation could have killed him is calling for access to children's continence services to be made a national priority.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2025

When treating the prostate gland, for example, medics want to avoid damage to the nearby bladder or rectum, which could leave patients with lifelong continence issues.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2023

Any chance Sally or Ed has anxiety, digestive or continence issues, hearing loss …?

From Washington Post ● Jan. 29, 2023

The bitterness of her speech stung me into a fury, and, forgetful of the continence I owed to her: "Madame!"

From The Courtship of Morrice Buckler A Romance by Mason, A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley)