Chastity

Abstinence as allegory

Chastity is abstention from sexual activity, or restriction of sex to marriage.

The word carries religious and moral weight, implying virtue through restraint: She took a vow of chastity.

A chastity belt is a medieval device supposedly used to prevent a woman from having sex while her husband was away—though most surviving examples are later novelties.

virtue

purity

Uncontaminated quality

abstinenceVoluntary forgoing of indulgences
celibacyAbstaining from intimate relations
virginityAbsence of carnal experience

modesty · innocence · virtue · continence · self-restraint · temperance · morality · decency · honor · uprightness

marital

fidelity

Loyalty or exactness

faithfulnessDevoted loyalty maintained
monogamyOne partner at a time
loyaltyFaithful commitment to another

commitment · exclusivity · devotion · spouse · wedding · vows · marriage · honor · trust · betrothal

religious

vow

Solemn personal commitment

nunHebrew alphabet's fourteenth
monkCloistered religious devotee
priestOne who performs sacraments

convent · monastery · clergy · consecration · devotion · renunciation · saints · asceticism · holy orders · novitiate

medieval

belt

Strap securing trousers

deviceConstructed tool or machine
lockMechanism requiring a key
keyLock-opening device

Crusades · knight · lady · fidelity · girdle · padlock · jealousy · guarding · absence · ward

Chastity

purity

fidelity

vow

belt

Chastity

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family