celibacy
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈsɛɫəbəsi// UK //sˈɛlɪbəsi// celiba·cy
n. the state of not having any sexual relationships. It is often a choice made by people for religious, personal, or health reasons.
n. the state of abstaining from sexual relations, typically for religious, moral, or health reasons.
He chose celibacy to focus on his spiritual life.
The religious order requires its members to maintain celibacy as part of their commitment to the community.
The debate over mandatory celibacy in certain professional environments often centers on the balance between personal autonomy and the prevention of potential conflicts of interest.
From Latin caelibātus (“celibacy, a single life”), from caelebs (“unmarried”).