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abstinence

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abstinence

Main Entry:: ab·sti·nence
Pronunciation:: \ˈab-stə-nən(t)s\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens, present participle of abstinēre
Date:: 14th century

1: voluntary forbearance especially from indulgence of an appetite or craving or from eating some foods2 a: habitual abstaining from intoxicating beverages b: abstention from sexual intercourse

— ab·sti·nent

Listen to the pronunciation of abstinent

\-nənt\ adjective

— ab·sti·nent·ly adverb

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