1. practicing self-restraint, especially from indulging in something pleasurable such as food, drink, or sex

Examples

• He remained abstinent from alcohol for two years.
• The monks lived an abstinent lifestyle, avoiding worldly pleasures.
• She was abstinent from sugar during her diet.
• The recovery program encouraged participants to stay abstinent.
• His abstinent habits helped him maintain good health.
• The abstinent approach to spending helped them save money.