abstinency
n. C1 Advanced ab·sti·nen·cy
n. the quality of being able to control your desires and not give in to them. It is often used to describe someone who avoids things like alcohol or sex for a long time.
n. the quality of being able to restrain oneself from indulging in pleasures or desires. Often associated with religious or medical contexts.
The monk practiced abstinency from all worldly pleasures.
The doctor recommended abstinency from alcohol for at least six months to allow the liver to heal.
The philosopher argued that true abstinency is not a lack of desire, but the disciplined choice to prioritize long-term ethical goals over immediate gratification.
From Classical Latin abstinentia; compare -y (suffix forming abstract nouns) and earlier abstinence, a doublet.