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

Example Sentences

On the other hand, many men, by their own vice and intemperance, disqualify themselves for conversation.

From Project Gutenberg

His intemperance alienated him from his father, and he died in prison under sentence of death.

From Project Gutenberg

The clergyman was ready to draw an awful moral against intemperance from his history.

From Project Gutenberg

Avoid wrath and thou wilt avoid sin; avoid intemperance and thou wilt not provoke Providence.

From Project Gutenberg

We have already seen that several attempts had been made for the suppression of intemperance, and apparently with little success.

From Project Gutenberg