temperance

[tem-per-uhns, tem-pruhns]

noun

1. moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.

2. habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.

3. total abstinence from alcoholic liquors.

temperance

/ ˈtɛmpərəns /

noun

1. restraint or moderation, esp in yielding to one's appetites or desires

2. abstinence from alcoholic drink

Other Word Forms

• antitemperance adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperance¹

1200–50; Middle English temperaunce < Anglo-French < Latin temperantia self-control. See temper, -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperance¹

C14: from Latin temperantia, from temperāre to regulate