intemperance

[in-tem-per-uhns, -pruhns]

noun

1. excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.

2. excessive indulgence of appetite or passion.

3. lack of moderation or due restraint, as in action or speech.

4. an act or instance of any of these.

   a long series of intemperances.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intemperance¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word intemperantia. See in- ³, temperance