celibacy

[sel-uh-buh-see] /ˈsɛl ə bə si/
noun
1.
abstention from sexual relations.
2.
abstention by vow from marriage:
the celibacy of priests.
3.
the state of being unmarried.
Origin
1655-65; < Latin caelibā(tus) celibacy (caelib-, stem of caelebs single + -ātus -ate3) + -cy
Related forms
celibatic
[sel-uh-bat-ik] /ˌsɛl əˈbæt ɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
Word Origin and History for celibacy
n.

1660s, formed in English, with -cy + Latin caelibatus "state of being unmarried," from caelebs "unmarried," probably from PIE root *kaiwelo- "alone" + lib(h)s- "living."