temperance

[ tem-per-uhns, tem-pruhns ]

noun

1. moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.
2. habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.
3. total abstinence from alcoholic liquors.

temperance

/ ˈtɛmpərəns /

noun

1. restraint or moderation, esp in yielding to one's appetites or desires
2. abstinence from alcoholic drink

Other Words From

• anti·temper·ance adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperance¹

1200–50; Middle English temperaunce < Anglo-French < Latin temperantia self-control. See temper, -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperance¹

C14: from Latin temperantia, from temperāre to regulate

Example Sentences

Temperance advocates actually won state laws banning alcohol sales starting in the 1840s.

From Washington Post

More importantly, Longworth viewed wine as a critical piece of the temperance movement.

From The Daily Beast

Such temperance may disappoint Catholics anxious for more sweeping changes in Rome.

From The Daily Beast

Resistance to “The Star-Spangled Banner” also flared among blacks, pacifists, and advocates of temperance.

From The Daily Beast

Employ temperance in all things, avoiding overindulgence in celebration or self-deprivation.

From The Daily Beast

Dear Mother, by thy heart then so cruelly martyred, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel.

From Project Gutenberg

Accordingly, temperance was said farewell to, quinine instituted, and I believe my pains are soon to be over.

From Project Gutenberg

The temperance, moreover, which it compels in those who cannot eat sea provisions, is very conducive to health.

From Project Gutenberg

Some one spoke of certain evangelists who were conducting a temperance campaign among the workers in the steel-mills.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a strictly temperance dog, and would allow no one on the premises who was what is called worse for liquor.

From Project Gutenberg