What does abstinence mean?
Abstinence is the voluntary practice of refraining from something pleasurable or habitual — most commonly alcohol, drugs, certain foods, or sexual activity — usually for reasons of morality, religion, discipline, or health. The word derives from the Latin 'abstinere', meaning to hold back or keep away, and entered English through Old French in the medieval period. It appears most often in formal contexts: medical professionals may recommend abstinence during pregnancy or recovery, religious traditions prescribe periods of abstinence such as fasting, and addiction treatment programs distinguish abstinence-based approaches from harm-reduction models. Unlike simple avoidance, abstinence implies conscious commitment and sustained self-control, which lends it a tone of seriousness and principle. Common collocations include 'complete abstinence', 'abstinence from alcohol', and 'practise abstinence'. Its adjective form, 'abstinent', describes a person who maintains such restraint.
nounThe practice of refraining from indulging in something, especially food, drink, or sexual activity, typically for moral, religious, or health reasons.
- The voluntary act of refraining from an activity or substance, especially alcohol, drugs, food, or sex, often for moral, religious, or health reasons.
- A period of self-denial or fasting, particularly in religious observance.
"After years of excess, he committed to a life of complete abstinence from alcohol."
"She maintained strict abstinence from caffeine during her pregnancy."
"During Lent, many believers observe abstinence from meat on Fridays."
Rarely pluralized; the plural appears only when referring to multiple distinct acts or types of self-denial, usually in historical or theological writing.
"Medieval monastic rules prescribed various abstinences throughout the liturgical year."
The word 'abstinence' comes from the Latin 'abstinere' — literally 'to hold back' — the same root that gives us 'sustain', as if self-restraint were a way of holding yourself up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of abstinence
Abstinence traces back to the Latin verb 'abstinere', formed from 'abs-' (away) and 'tenere' (to hold), meaning literally 'to hold away from'. It passed into English via Old French 'abstinence' around the late Middle Ages, initially carrying strong religious connotations of fasting and self-denial. The same Latin root 'tenere' underlies related words such as 'abstain', 'abstinent', and more distantly 'sustain' and 'retain', all sharing the sense of holding or keeping.
Related word forms
How abstinence is actually used
Abstinence carries a formal register and often implies deliberate, principled restraint rather than mere avoidance. It is frequently used in medical, religious, and recovery contexts (e.g. abstinence-based addiction treatment). The phrase 'complete abstinence' emphasizes total rather than partial refraining.
Easily confused with abstinence
Abstinence is the act of fully refraining from something, while abstemiousness describes a general habit of eating and drinking sparingly or with moderation.