Celibate

Celibate refers to a person who abstains from sexual activity. The term derives from Latin caelibatus, from caelibis “unmarried.” In common usage it denotes the state of voluntary abstention from sexual relations, often for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons. Celibacy can be lifelong or temporary and may accompany other vows or commitments.

It is distinct from abstinence as a practice and from chastity as a moral or social ideal. Abstinence generally refers to choosing not to have sex during a given period, whereas celibacy denotes a broader, ongoing state of being unmarried or dedicating oneself to a specific vocation. Chastity can refer to sexual conduct in accordance with religious or ethical norms, including marriage.

Religious traditions have long associated celibacy with spiritual discipline. In the Roman Catholic Church, clerical celibacy is required for priests in the Latin rite and is generally observed by monks and nuns in various orders; there are exceptions and different rules in other rites. Eastern Orthodox and some Anglican communities permit married men to be ordained but reserve higher offices for celibate monks and bishops. In other traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, renunciants may take vows of celibacy as part of monastic discipline.

Outside strictly religious contexts, some individuals pursue celibacy for personal growth, ethical reasons, or long-term relationship arrangements. Modern secular discussion sometimes frames celibacy as a voluntary lifestyle choice or as part of a broader commitment to self-control, mindfulness, or political or social ideology.

Health and social effects vary with context and duration. Celibacy is not a medical condition; when chosen freely, it can have neutral or positive personal meaning, though prolonged isolation or pressure can present challenges. As a social and cultural phenomenon, celibacy interacts with laws, institutions, and changing norms about sexuality and family life.