rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryabstinenceDeliberate restraint
noun

abstinence

AB-stih-nuns/ˈæbstɪnəns/

The deliberate choice to refrain from an activity or substance.

The calendar records days of abstinence from alcohol beside an unopened bottle.

Calendar of alcohol-free days beside untouched sealed bottle and water.
Etymology
absLatinaway, off
+tinLatinto hold
+enceLatinstate or quality

Holding oneself away gives the image behind this word: self-restraint toward an appetite or activity. Its historical uses include avoiding food, sexual indulgence, luxury, and even fighting.

In context

SomamBIKE5:56
dry January or sober October also o encourage participants to abstain from alcohol and promote their abstinence on social media
Teetotalism : the practice or promotion of total abstinence from alcoholic drinks.

More examples

  • The group supports people seeking abstinence from alcohol.
  • He chose a period of abstinence from social media.
  • The discussion covered both sexual abstinence and contraception.

Similar words

restraint
A broader limitation that need not mean complete avoidance.
sobriety
Usually specifically concerns freedom from alcohol or intoxication.