noun

abstinence

abstinence, self-restraint, temperance

He practiced abstinence from alcohol.

He practised abstinence from alcohol.

The program promotes total abstinence for teens.

The programme promotes total abstinence for teens.

((from sth.)) the practice of not doing or having (sth.) that you want. He practiced abstinence from alcohol.

Synonyms: self-restraint, temperance; Antonyms: indulgence, excess

From Latin 'abstinere' (to hold back), from 'ab-' (from) + 'tenere' (to hold).

Think of 'abs-' (away from) and '-tinence' (holding). You are 'holding away' from something.

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