禁欲 (jīn yù) literally means 'to prohibit desire' — 禁 (jīn) means 'to forbid' or 'to restrain', and 欲 (yù) means 'desire', especially sensual or sexual desire. As a compound noun, it refers to the practice of abstaining from sexual activity, often for religious, spiritual, medical, or philosophical reasons. It is commonly associated with monastic traditions (e.g., Buddhist monks or Catholic priests), but may also appear in modern health discussions about temporary abstinence for physical recovery or mental clarity.

The term carries a formal, somewhat solemn tone and is rarely used in casual speech. Unlike colloquial expressions for 'not having sex', 禁欲 implies intentionality, discipline, and often a broader commitment to self-restraint beyond just sexuality — sometimes extending to food, entertainment, or material possessions. It is not inherently negative; context determines whether it connotes devotion, austerity, or excessive rigidity.