teetotalism

American  

[tee-toht-l-iz-uhm, tee-toht-] / tiˈtoʊt lˌɪz əm, ˈtiˌtoʊt- /

noun

1. the principle or practice of total abstinence from intoxicating drink.

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Etymology

Origin of teetotalism

First recorded in 1825–35; teetotal + -ism

Explanation

Teetotalism is a noun, meaning staying away from alcohol. If you see someone drinking a soda at a bar, he might practice teetotalism or he might just be planning to drive himself home. Since drinking alcohol is generally an accepted practice now, the word teetotalism has fallen out of common use. You might think the groups promoting teetotalism in the United States in the 1920s succeeded when laws were passed prohibiting alcohol (effective from 1920 to 1933). However, you would be wrong, because with the Prohibition era came underground bars and homemade moonshine.

Example Sentences

But teetotalism made him a “weird kid” in the small Bavarian town where he grew up.

From Scientific American • Jul. 9, 2019

Such total abstinence from alcohol is known as teetotalism.

From Textbooks • Dec. 30, 2014

Temperance societies developed a religious zeal for teetotalism.

From Slate • Jan. 15, 2014

The rambling, practically plotless play received an acclaimed production at the Almeida in 1998 with Kevin Spacey playing Hickey, a travelling salesman recently converted to teetotalism.

From The Guardian • Mar. 23, 2011

He did not think "teetotalism" necessary to prevent gentlemen from becoming drunkards, and he took his regular exercise on Sunday as well as on other days.

From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 3, October, 1851 by Various