chastity
/ˈtʃæstɪti/
noun
Origin
Latin
castitas — purity, freedom from moral stain
Overview
Meaning Now
- The state or practice of refraining from sexual intercourse, typically for religious or moral reasons.
- The quality of being pure, modest, or untainted.
Literal older meaning
purity
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
chastite
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term carries strong roots in monastic traditions, where it became one of the key virtues alongside obedience and poverty. In secular literature, it was often elevated as a central feminine virtue, particularly in the Middle Ages, appearing frequently in allegorical tales of courtly love and religious devotion.
Evolution
- Latin
castitas
“purity”
From 'castus' (pure/clean).
- Old French
chasteté
“purity of life”
- Middle English
chastite
“sexual abstinence”
- Modern English
chastity
“abstinence from sexual activity”
Connections
Word parts
chast-
root
pure
-ity
suffix
state or quality of
Related across languages
French
chasteté
chastity
Spanish
castidad
chastity
Related words
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Related to chastity
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.