abstinence
UK[ˈæbstɪnəns]US[ˈæbstɪnəns]
n
the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable, especially alcohol, sex, or certain foods, often for religious or health reasons.
n
the fact of not voting either for or against something.
Morpheme Breakdown
abs
tin
ence
abs
away, from
tin
hold
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'abstinence' originates from the latin 'abstinentia', a noun derived from the verb 'abstinēre', meaning 'to hold back' or 'to keep away'. this verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'abs-' ('away from') and the root 'tenēre' ('to hold'), conveying the literal sense of holding oneself away from something. the concept evolved from this concrete action of withholding to denote the state or practice of self-denial, particularly regarding pleasures like food or drink. entering english via old french in the 14th century, it has retained this core meaning of voluntary restraint, often with moral, religious, or health-related implications.
Analysis
Structure: abs (away, from) + tin (hold) + ence (noun suffix)
abs- (latin prefix meaning 'away from' or 'off'), -tin- (from latin verb 'tenēre', meaning 'to hold'), -ence (latin noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality).
Examples
he practiced total abstinence from alcohol for a year.
many religions encourage periods of abstinence for spiritual clarity.
there were ten votes in favor, six against, and two abstinences.