The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, especially food, drink, or sexual activity. It involves deliberately holding back from temptation or desire.
From Latin abstinentia, formed by abs- (away from) + tenere (to hold) + -entia (state, condition). The compound abstinere meant 'to hold oneself away from' something. It entered Middle English through Old French abstinence in the 14th century, maintaining its meaning of self-restraint through holding back.
Abstinence shows tenere in action as self-control - you literally 'hold yourself away' from something tempting! Compare this to 'detention' where someone else holds you away from freedom. Both words use the same 'holding away' concept but with different agents of control.
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