Abstinence

Pronunciation: /ˈæbstənəns/

Abstinence (noun)

  1. Choosing not to drink alcohol for a period of time.
  2. Choosing not to have sexual activity for a period of time.
  3. Avoiding certain pleasures or activities, like eating sweets, for self-discipline.

Examples

  • He practiced abstinence to improve his health.
  • Abstinence from alcohol can lead to better sleep.

Common collocations: practice abstinence, abstinence from alcohol, choose abstinence, abstinence until marriage, abstinence from indulgence

Synonyms of Abstinence

Formal

Neutral

Antonyms of Abstinence

  • when discussing self-restraint
  • when discussing excessive consumption