26984 words

abstinence

3 definitions • 4 examples
1
the fact of not doing something, usually something that is considered harmful such as drinking alcohol or using a drug:

Examples:

We found that with abstinence from smoking, the severity of symptoms decreased.
Alcohol abstinence is recommended for breast-feeding mothers.
2
the fact of not having sex, or not having sex outside of marriage:

Examples:

Sexual health leaflets promoted the benefits of abstinence, faithfulness, and condom use.
They preach complete abstinence from premarital sex.
3
the act of not doing something, esp. something that gives you pleasure

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