Definition of: abstinence

(ab′stə·nəns) noun
The act or practice of abstaining: forbearing voluntarily, especially from intoxicating drinks or sexual activity; self-denial. [<F <L abstinentia <abstinere.
See ABSTAIN.] Synonyms: abstemiousness, continence, fasting, frugality, moderation, self-control, self-denial, self-restraint, sobriety, temperance. Abstinence from food commonly signifies going without; abstemiousness, partaking moderately; abstinence may be for a single occasion, abstemiousness is habitual moderation. Self-denial is giving up what one wishes; abstinence may be refraining from what one does not desire. Fasting is abstinence from food for a limited time, and generally for religious reasons. Sobriety and temperance signify moderate indulgence. Total abstinence has come to signify the entire abstaining from intoxicating liquors or sexual activity. Antonyms: drunkness, excess, gluttony, greed, intemperance, intoxication, reveling, revelry, self-indulgence sensuality, wantonness.