abstinent
abstinent Lexical Profile
abstinent Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Refraining from the indulgence of bodily appetites, especially from the consumption of alcohol, recreational drugs, or sexual activity.
"After completing the rehabilitation program, he remained completely abstinent from alcohol for the rest of his life."
• noun
A person who practices abstinence, especially one who refrains from alcoholic drink or sexual relations.
"The support group welcomed both long-term abstinents and newcomers seeking to overcome their addictions."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Abstinent' generally implies complete avoidance of a particular indulgence (such as alcohol or sex), whereas 'abstemious' refers to moderation and sparing consumption, especially of food and drink.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'abstinent', from Latin 'abstinentem' (nominative 'abstinens'), the present participle of 'abstinere' meaning 'to hold back or withhold', formed from 'ab-' (off, away from) and 'tenere' (to hold).