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teetotalism

teetotalism

7.8
The practice of not drinking any alcohol at all
  • noun
  • /ˈtiːˌtoʊtəlɪzəm/
translation icon : abstinencia
  • He has practiced teetotalism since his early twenties and avoids all alcoholic beverages.

Examples

  • The movement advocating teetotalism gained popularity during the temperance era.

  • He practices teetotalism for health reasons.

  • His strict teetotalism was a source of both admiration and curiosity among his friends.

  • Many people choose teetotalism to avoid alcohol-related issues.

  • He has practiced teetotalism since his early twenties and avoids all alcoholic beverages.

  • Many people choose teetotalism to avoid alcohol-related issues.

  • The movement advocating teetotalism gained popularity during the temperance era.

Synonyms

abstinence
vsteetotalism
  • NSFW
63 6.4

Choosing not to do things like drinking alcohol or having sex

focuses only on avoiding alcoholic drinks rather than various pleasures
teetotaling
vsteetotalism
  • US
1 7.7

Not drinking alcohol at all

is the general principle behind that act rather than the act itself
abstention
vsteetotalism
1 7.2

Choosing not to take part in something, often giving up pleasures like alcohol

applies specifically to avoiding alcoholic drinks as a principle rather than general nonparticipation

Antonyms

328 2.9

To have alcohol often and in large amounts

How Abstinent

teetotalism
7.8
moderation
47 3.5
binge
53 5.6
alcohol abuse
  • NSFW
18 3.7

Surface Forms

teetotalism singular
teetotalisms plural

Morphology

teetotalism = teetotal (opaque) = tee + total + ism

The term 'teetotal' is not transparently derived from 'total'; its origin is likely a reduplication for emphasis.

Etymology

Teetotalism comes from the old phrase tee-total: one popular story says people added tee to stress 'total' and mean 'completely' without alcohol, and the -ism part names the belief. So, teetotalism is the practice of being 'totally' without alcoholic drinks.