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abstinence

3 syllables
Quick answer

As a noun, abstinence means the act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.

Meanings of abstinence

8 meanings

noun

  1. The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite.

    “Abstinence is the only 100% guaranteed contraception.”

  2. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism).

  3. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage.

  4. ecclesiasticalAbstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance.

  5. The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forebearance from anything.

  6. businessDelay of spending to accrue capital.

  7. The trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)

    Similar: abstention
Older and rare meanings (1)
  1. obsoleteSelf-denial; abstaining; or forebearance of anything.

Meanings from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).

Synonyms by meaning

noun: the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)

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Scrabble & Words With Friends: valid word14 points before bonuses.10 letters.
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