noun the practice of self-denial by depriving one's self of certain kinds of food or drink, especially of meat.
2. abstinence ·noun the act or practice of abstaining; voluntary forbearance of any action, especially the refraining from an indulgence of appetite, or from customary gratifications of animal or sensual propensities. specifically, the practice of abstaining from intoxicating beverages, called also total abstinence.