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Incontinence vs Continence - What's the difference?

incontinence | continence | Antonyms |

Incontinence is an antonym of continence.


As nouns the difference between incontinence and continence

is that incontinence is (dated) lack of self-restraint, an inability to control oneself; unchastity while continence is the voluntary control of urination and defecation.

incontinence

English

Noun

  • (dated) Lack of self-restraint, an inability to control oneself; unchastity.
  • * 1749 , Henry Fielding, Tom Jones , Folio Society 1973, p. 119:
    • Allworthy was sufficiently offended by this transgression of Jones; for notwithstanding the assertions of Mr Western, it is certain this worthy man had never indulged himself in any loose pleasures with women, and greatly condemned the vice of incontinence in others.
  • (medicine) The inability of any of the physical organs to restrain discharges of their contents; involuntary discharge or evacuation (of urine or feces).

    • Derived terms

    * incontinence diaper * incontinence pad

    Synonyms

    * akrasia

    References

    *

    continence

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • The voluntary control of urination and defecation.
  • Moderation or self-restraint, especially in sexual activity; abstinence.
  • * (seeCites)
  • * Dryden
    • He knew what to say; he knew also, when to leave off, — a continence which is practiced by few writers.
  • * Jeremy Taylor
    • Chastity is either abstinence or continence': abstinence is that of virgins or widows; ' continence , that of married persons.
  • Uninterrupted course; continuity.
    • (Ayliffe)

    Antonyms

    * incontinence

    Related terms

    * continent

    References

    *