celibacy

[ sel-uh-buh-see ]

noun

1. abstention from sexual relations.
2. abstention by vow from marriage:

   the celibacy of priests.

3. the state of being unmarried.

Other Words From

• cel·i·bat·ic [sel-, uh, -, bat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of celibacy¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin caelibā(tus) “celibacy” ( caelib-, stem of caelebs “single” + -ātus -ate ³ ) + -cy

Example Sentences

Pre-modern Christian women had options besides celibacy as well, although the state, the church and mediocre medicine limited their reproductive choices.

From No Straight News

For eight to 10 days, Jains focus on the values of forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, truth, contentment, self-restraint, penance, renunciation, nonattachment and celibacy.

From No Straight News

Like many evangelical and Christian denominations, the Seventh-day Adventist Church believe that being LGBTQ is a sin, and that life-long celibacy is the only acceptable response to a LGBTQ person’s sexuality.

From Time

Others have run the gamut from a few worries to strict celibacy.

From Washington Blade

Kao said aspects of the shooting is reminiscent of “incel” culture and the men who blame women for their involuntary celibacy.

From Washington Post

When it appears it is largely used to chastise transsexuals and to promote celibacy.

From The Daily Beast

And the ones protesting the loudest may be the war-mongering men forced into pacifist celibacy.

From The Daily Beast

By embracing celibacy, Hales is embarking upon one of the only sanctioned paths for LGBT students at BYU.

From The Daily Beast

Priestly celibacy, obviously: you'll naturally attract people who can't act on their sexual desires in public.

From The Daily Beast

Do you think that if the rules on celibacy were loosened, this would change things considerably?

From The Daily Beast

He was rather gratified than otherwise to hear that Mr. Puffin had begun to waver in his ideas about celibacy.

From Project Gutenberg

Those religious systems which impose celibacy on the priesthood are not without reason for it.

From Project Gutenberg

His only remedy is to abolish the poor-rates, and starve the poor into celibacy.

From Project Gutenberg

Soon adultery becomes the most respectable form of marriage, and widowhood and celibacy are commonly practised.

From Project Gutenberg

They were setting at defiance the laws of celibacy; they not only sought wives, but they lived in concubinage.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chastity