Incontinent
/ˌɪnkənˈtɪnənt/noun
Lacking self-control, especially in sexual or bodily matters; also unable to control urination or defecation.
Did you know?In English, incontinent first meant “lacking self-restraint,” and only later became the medical term for loss of bladder or bowel control.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
incontinent
“Lacking self-restraint; uncontrolled.”
Old French
Old French
incontinent
“Immediately; without delay, and also unrestrained.”
Latin
Latin
incontinentem
“Not holding back; unrestrained, intemperate.”
Latin
Latin
in- + continere
“Not + to hold together, restrain, or contain.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ten-
“To stretch, hold, or keep firm.”