What does continence mean?
Continence is the capacity for self-restraint over bodily impulses, most commonly understood as abstaining from sexual activity, but also used in medicine to describe the ability to control bladder and bowel function. Derived from the Latin continentia, meaning 'a holding together' or restraint, the word carries connotations of discipline, virtue, and mastery over instinct. It appears frequently in religious and philosophical writing, where continence is often praised as a mark of moral strength, and in clinical settings, where terms such as 'urinary continence' are routine. Though somewhat formal in tone, it remains a precise and useful term wherever deliberate self-control is at issue.
nounThe ability to control one's bodily urges and desires, especially sexual desire; self-restraint. In medicine, the ability to control urination or defecation.
- Self-restraint over bodily desires, especially sexual abstinence.
- (Medicine) The ability to control bladder or bowel function.
"The monk's strict continence was admired by all who knew him."
"He practised continence throughout his years of study."
"Following surgery, some patients experience a temporary loss of urinary continence."
Continence is almost always used as an uncountable noun; a plural form is virtually never needed.
Despite its spelling, 'continence' has nothing to do with continents — it comes from the Latin for 'holding together,' the same root that gives us 'contain.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of continence
Continence derives from the Latin continentia, from continere ('to hold together, contain'), formed from com- ('together') and tenere ('to hold'). It entered English via Old French in the medieval period, initially in moral and religious contexts describing restraint from sexual indulgence. Its cognates include contain, continuous, and continent — all built on the same Latin root.
How continence is actually used
A formal, somewhat literary word in everyday use; in medical contexts it is standard terminology. Often used specifically of sexual restraint in religious or ethical discussions.
Easily confused with continence
'Continents' are the large landmasses of the earth, whereas 'continence' refers to self-control over bodily urges.