incontinence
Americannoun
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the inability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces.
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Philosophy: Older Use. a lack of self-control, especially of sexual desire.
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Rare. emotional incontinence.
Etymology
Origin of incontinence
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Old French or Latin incontentia “incontinence (of urine); lack of self-control,” equivalent to in- negative prefix + continentia “a holding back, retention”; in- 3 ( def. ) continence
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The treatment itself can also cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC
The treatment itself can cause incontinence and impotence, which can significantly affect quality of life.
From BBC
Long Beach Savings, wholly owned by Washington Mutual, was a prime example of financial incontinence.
From Literature
The coroner said Ms Weeks, who was originally from Axminster, Devon, suffered from a bladder condition which caused considerable pain and incontinence.
From BBC
His emotional incontinence was sold as evidence he’s a “fighter.”
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
