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Definition of continence

continence

/ˈkɑːn.tə.nəns/
con · ti · nence
Adverb:continently
•
Adjective:continent
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continence Lexical Profile

continence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The physiological ability to voluntarily control the discharge of urine and feces from the body.

Example

"Pelvic floor exercises are often prescribed to help older patients maintain bladder continence."

2

Self-restraint or moderation in yielding to desires and passions, especially complete or partial abstinence from sexual activity.

Example

"Classical Stoic philosophers praised continence as an essential virtue for achieving inner peace."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for continence

• Nearby Words

contextually
contiguous
contiguously
continence
continent
continental
contingency

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French continence, from Latin continentia ('self-restraint, moderation'), derived from continēre ('to hold together, hold back').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Continence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/continence
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