Celibacy
/ˈsɛl.ɪ.bə.si/noun
The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations.
Did you know?The term ‘celibacy’ is linked to the Latin word for ‘single’ and often ties to ancient vows of purity in various spiritual traditions.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
caelibatus
“The state of being unmarried or single.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
caelibis
“Of a single person, unmarried.”
Middle English
Middle English
celibacy
“Condition of being unmarried, often in a religious context.”
Modern English
English
celibacy
“The practice of refraining from marriage and sexual relations.”