释义 |
ab·sti·nence \ˈabztənən(t)s, -bst-\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin abstinentia, from abstinent-, abstinens + -ia 1. : the act or practice of abstaining: a. : self-restraint or self-denial with regard to hunger, pleasure, or craving < after long abstinence from the movies — Edmund Wilson > < abstinence from narcotics > b. : the abstaining from certain foods (as meat) in obedience to ecclesiastical law or as a matter of religious discipline — distinguished from fast, fasting c. : habitual abstaining from intoxicating liquors — called also total abstinence 2. : postponement of expenditure so as to accumulate capital |