abstinence

1. The act or practice of abstaining, refraining from indulging a desire or appetite. (countable, uncountable) · Near-synonyms: abstentiousness, abstemiousness
2. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating/alcoholic beverages; total abstinence; teetotalism). (countable, uncountable) · For quotations using this term, see Citations:abstinence.
3. Specifically, the practice of abstaining from sexual intercourse, either permanently or until marriage. (countable, uncountable) · Abstinence is the only 100% guaranteed contraception.
4. Abstention from certain foods on days of penitential observance. (countable, uncountable)
5. The practice of self-denial; self-restraint; forbearance from anything. (countable, uncountable)
6. Delay of spending to accrue capital. (countable, uncountable)

Plural abstinences