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.

---

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

Jodie Gosling, MP for Nuneaton and who chairs the all-party parliamentary group for bladder and bowel continence care, said constipation had fallen low on the list of priorities facing local council and integrated care boards.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

She said children's continence care "has been a silent casualty of chronic underfunding and reactive healthcare".

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

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

From Washington Post • Jan. 29, 2023

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 Huneker, James