: lack of moderation
especially : habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants

Examples of intemperance in a Sentence

in his harangue on the perils of drink, the prohibitionist claimed that intemperance has always been the number one destroyer of marriages there's a wearisome intemperance in his verbal attacks against any and all who dare to disagree with him
Recent Examples on the Web
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Over a career that made headlines for landmark victories such as a six-figure judgment, later reversed, against LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, Yagman also became notorious for intemperance, most pointedly evidenced by his brutal characterization of a federal judge. Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2021 In a situation that forbids explicit expressions of intemperance or protest, mischief is the perfect solution. New York Times, 7 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intemperance was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Intemperance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intemperance. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

intemperance

noun
: lack of moderation or self-restraint
especially : excessive use of alcoholic beverages

Medical Definition

intemperance

noun
: lack of moderation
especially : habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants

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