avhåll

Avhåll is a Swedish noun that denotes abstinence or forbearance, specifically the act of refraining from something. The term is primarily found in historical or literary contexts and is less common in contemporary language, where avhållsamhet or återhållsamhet are more frequently used to express similar ideas.

Etymology and sense: Avhåll is formed with the prefix av-, meaning away or off, combined with håll, a root related to holding or keeping. In older or formal Swedish, avhåll carried the sense of holding back or restraining oneself from certain actions, pleasures, or temptations.

Usage: In modern Swedish, avhåll is largely superseded by avhållsamhet (abstinence, temperance) or återhållsamhet (restraint, moderation). When encountered in older texts, avhåll can function as a concise noun referring to the act of abstaining, though it is not common in everyday speech today.

Related terms and notes: Avhåll is closely related to avhållsamhet and återhållsamhet, which are more widely used to describe temperance, moderation, and self-control. The concept can appear in moral, religious, or philosophical discussions about self-discipline and the avoidance of excess.

See also: Abstinence, temperance, self-control, restraint, moderation.

In summary, avhåll is an historical or literary Swedish noun for abstinence or restraint, with modern Swedish favoring related terms such as avhållsamhet or återhållsamhet.