Word of the Day

Monday, January 05, 2009

abstinent

\AB-stuh-nuhnt\ , adjective;

abstaining, especially from self-indulgence

Quotes:

The main reason I am abstinent is I don't want to become pregnant. That would be the worst thing. I wouldn't be able to finish school.

-- Tia Whipple, Time, 2006-09-15

It's not enough to just talk about abstinence. You have to be willing to talk to them about protection if they choose not to be abstinent.

-- Denver Post, 2007-10-15

Origin:

c. 1386, from French abstinent from Old French astenant, from Latin abstinentem and abstinere "to withhold"