abstinencia
“abstinencia” means “abstinence” in Spanish (refraining from something like food, alcohol, or sex).
abstinence
Also: withdrawal, self-restraint
📝 In Action
El médico le recomendó abstinencia total de alcohol.
B1The doctor recommended total abstinence from alcohol.
La abstinencia de carne es una tradición en algunos días festivos.
B2Refraining from meat is a tradition on some holidays.
Siente mucha ansiedad debido al síndrome de abstinencia.
C1He feels a lot of anxiety due to withdrawal syndrome.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: abstinencia
Question 1 of 3
Which word follows 'abstinencia' to indicate what you are quitting?
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👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'abstinentia', which comes from 'abs-' (away) and 'tenere' (to hold). It literally means 'holding oneself away' from something.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'abstinencia' only used for drugs or alcohol?
No, it can be used for anything you voluntarily give up, including specific foods, social media, or sexual activity.
What is the difference between 'abstinencia' and 'ayuno'?
'Ayuno' (fasting) usually means not eating anything at all for a period, while 'abstinencia' usually means giving up a specific type of food or habit.
Is there a shorter way to say 'withdrawal'?
In medical contexts, no. In very informal slang in Spain, you might hear 'el mono,' but 'abstinencia' is the standard term everyone understands.