Lack of moderation or self-restraint, especially in drinking alcohol or indulging in pleasures. Excessive behavior that lacks self-control.
From Latin 'intemperantia,' from 'in-' (not) + 'temperantia' (moderation), from 'temperare' (to moderate). The root relates to 'temperate' and 'temperature'—the idea being that temperate behavior is 'well-mixed' or balanced, while intemperate behavior lacks this balance.
Think 'in-TEMPERANCE'—lacking temperance (self-control). Remember that 'temperance' was a major historical movement against alcohol, so 'intemperance' is the opposite—overindulgence. Someone showing intemperance has lost their 'temperature' control and gotten too heated about their desires!
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