continence

Meaning

1. (uncountable, usually) The voluntary control of urination and defecation.
2. (uncountable, usually) Moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence.
3. (uncountable, usually) Uninterrupted course; continuity.

Synonyms

temperance

abstinence

self-restraint

chastity

restraint

continency

purity

abstention

diet

discipline

distance

moderation

modesty

morality

reticence

rule

self-control

self discipline

sobriety

teetotalism

temperateness

virtuousness

self restraint

standoffishness

ethics

self control

sparingness

chasity

maiden liness

abstemiousness

teetotaling

abstentions

apprehension

arrest

ascetic

constraint

control

coyness

demureness

Translations

continenza

continencia

continence

continència

Mäßigkeit

astinenza

ılımlılık

itidal

moderazione

αγνότητα

abstinence

Keuschheit

ieiunium

εγκράτεια

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkɒntɪnəns/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: contynence

In summary

Dated from the 14th century as Middle English contynence, from Old French continence, from Latin continentia (“a repression”). See also countenance.