chastity

/tʃæsiti/
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chastity

A young couple in a historical setting chooses to exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment to chastity before marriage.

Definition

Noun 1. The state or practice of refraining from extramarital, or especially from all, sexual intercourse. This meaning often relates to a moral or religious choice to abstain from sexual activity. 2. The quality of being morally pure in thought and conduct; sexual innocence or virtue. This broader sense refers to modesty and purity in behavior and intention.

Usage

The word "chastity" is a formal noun, often used in moral, religious, or literary contexts. It describes a deliberate choice or a personal quality. * Example 1 (Abstinence): She took a vow of chastity when she entered the convent. * Example 2 (Moral Purity): The knight swore an oath to protect the queen's honor and chastity. * Example 3 (General Virtue): In some philosophies, chastity is considered one of the principal virtues.

Advanced Usage
  • "Chastity belt": A historical locking device, purportedly used to enforce sexual abstinence.
    • The museum had an exhibit on medieval armor, including a chastity belt.
  • "Vow of chastity": A solemn promise, often as part of a religious commitment, to abstain from sexual relations.
    • As part of his holy orders, he took a vow of chastity.
Variants and Related Words
  • Chaste (adjective): Abstaining from unlawful or immoral sexual activity; simple or plain in style.
    • He led a chaste life. / The room was decorated in a chaste, minimalist style.
  • Chastely (adverb): In a chaste manner.
    • She lived chastely according to her beliefs.
Synonyms
  • Celibacy: The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons.
  • Virginity: The state of never having had sexual intercourse.
  • Purity: Freedom from immorality, especially of a sexual nature.
  • Modesty: Behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency.
Antonyms
  • Promiscuity: The practice of having many casual sexual partners.
  • Lechery: Excessive or offensive sexual desire.
  • Immorality: The state or quality of being morally wrong, especially in sexual conduct.
Related Idioms and Phrases
  • "Chastity and poverty": Often paired with "obedience" as the three traditional religious vows.
    • The monastic life requires vows of chastity and poverty.
chastity

A young couple in a historical setting chooses to exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment to chastity before marriage.

Noun
  1. morality with respect to sexual relations
  2. abstaining from sexual relations (as because of religious vows)