chastity

/ˈtʃæstədi/

/ˈtʃæstɪti/

Other forms: chastities

Someone who practices chastity deliberately refrains from having sex, usually for religious reasons. Many religions emphasize the importance of chastity before marriage.

Chastity comes from the Latin word castus, meaning “morally pure,” and to some religious believers, chastity is closely related to a sense of purity and wholesomeness. Some religious figures, including Catholic nuns and priests, take a vow of chastity so they can focus their thoughts on their faith.

Definitions of chastity

1. noun

   abstaining from sexual relations (as because of religious vows)
   synonyms: celibacy, sexual abstention

   type of:

   abstinence

   act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
2. noun

   morality with respect to sexual relations
   synonyms: sexual morality, virtue

   types:

   honor, honour, pureness, purity

   a woman's virtue or chastity

   type of:

   morality

   concern with the distinction between good and evil or right and wrong; right or good conduct