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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 7, 2025

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

From Washington Post • Jan. 29, 2023

Bessie should have been referred to the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust's continence team but never was.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2022

Prof June Andrews, who has worked in dementia care for over 30 years, says rigorous continence assessments are essential to prevent assumptions being made.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2022

The lesson of history, then, is that continence is essential to the progress of the race.

From The Woman Who Vowed The Demetrian by Harding, Ellison