abstinence Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)
    abstention.
  2. noun act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite

WordNet

Ab"sti*nence noun
Etymology
F. abstinence, L. abstinentia, fr. abstinere. See Abstain.
Definitions
  1. The act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, -- called also total abstinence.
    The abstinence from a present pleasure that offers itself is a pain, nay, oftentimes, a very great one. Locke.
  2. The practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
    Penance, fasts, and abstinence, To punish bodies for the soul's offense. Dryden.

Webster 1913