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

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Etymology

Origin of continence

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

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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

Holly was not referred for further treatment for Ayda or told about children's continence services that could help.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2025

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

From Washington Post ● Jan. 29, 2023

"The bed was soaked in urine. The continence pad between her legs was also soaked in urine, the door wide open, no underwear on. It was a mixed ward as well," Heather says.

From BBC ● Jun. 20, 2022

Would there were more like him in continence of speech, wholesomeness of judgment, nobility of ideals, and in the shrewd perception of character.

From Unicorns by James Huneker

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