continence
The voluntary control of urination and defecationThe voluntary control of urination and defecation.
» God, please give me chastity and continence, but not yet.
Meaning
3 senses(uncountable, usually)The voluntary control of urination and defecation.
voluntary control over urinary and fecal discharge
(uncountable, usually)Moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence.
For quotations using this term, see Citations:continence.
the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters
(uncountable, usually)Uninterrupted course; continuity.
Examples
1 sentencesGod, please give me chastity and continence, but not yet.
Translations
2 languagesOrigin
Dated from the 14th century as Middle English contynence, from Old French continence, fromDated from the 14th century as Middle English contynence, from Old French continence, from Latin continentia (“a repression”). See also countenance.
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Forms
plural: continencesSynonyms
3 synonyms- the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters:continency
Antonyms
4 antonymsWord family
2 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable