noun
intemperance
in-TEM-per-uns/ɪnˈtempərəns/
Lack of moderation or self-control.
The many emptied wine bottles and glasses reveal intemperance in drinking.
Etymology
The pieces express an absence of moderation or self-control. The association with drinking was already present in Latin, where intemperantia vini meant immoderate use of wine.
In context
overborne by the resistless inroads of intemperance and sin
More examples
- Her intemperance in spending leaves little money for rent.
- The editor criticizes the intemperance of the mayor's remarks.
- Years of intemperance in eating and drinking damage his health.
Forms
intemperance
intemperate adjective — Lacking moderation or self-control in behavior.
Similar words
- immoderation
- Emphasizes exceeding reasonable limits rather than failing to restrain oneself.
- excess
- Can describe too much of something without implying personal misconduct.