ABSTINENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Abstinence refers to the deliberate act of refraining or voluntarily abstaining from certain behaviors, actions, or substances. It is a conscious choice to abstain or avoid indulging in activities that may be deemed unhealthy, addictive, or undesirable. Typically, abstinence is associated with refraining from the consumption of alcohol, drugs, or engaging in sexual activity. However, it can extend to other areas such as food, specific habits, or behaviors.
In the context of alcohol and drugs, abstinence refers to a complete avoidance of consuming these substances. It is often associated with recovery from addiction or substance abuse, where individuals commit to avoiding any intake of the substances they were previously dependent on. In the case of sexual abstinence, individuals choose to refrain from engaging in any form of sexual intercourse or activity.
Abstinence can also refer to the avoidance of certain foods or dietary choices. For instance, someone may choose to practice abstinence from meat by following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. It can also involve abstaining from particular habits or behaviors, such as excessive spending, gambling, or addictive video game playing.
Overall, abstinence implies a conscious decision to refrain from specific activities, substances, or behaviors, with the intention of promoting one's physical, mental, or emotional well-being. It is often motivated by personal, religious, or health-related reasons, with individuals striving to lead a more disciplined and balanced life.
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Specifically, refrain from the use of certain articles of diet or of alcoholic beverages, or from sexual intercourse.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of ABSTINENCE
The word "abstinence" comes from the Latin term "abstinēre", which is derived from the prefix "ab-" (meaning "away from") and the verb "tinēre" (meaning "to hold"). Thus, "abstinēre" essentially means "to hold oneself away from" or "to refrain from". The term was originally used in a religious context, referring to the act of voluntarily denying oneself certain pleasures or desires, particularly in relation to food, drink, or sexual activity. Over time, the word "abstinence" has come to encompass a broader range of abstentions and is commonly used to describe the choice to abstain from various activities or substances for personal or moral reasons.
Similar spelling words for ABSTINENCE
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