1610s, "state of celibacy" (especially as mandated to clergy in the Catholic church) from French célibat (16c.), from Latin caelibatus (see celibacy). This was the only sense until early 19c. The adjective meaning "unmarried, sworn to remain single" is recorded from 1825. As a noun, one who is sworn to such a condition, from 1838.
实用例句
1. The Pope bluntly told the world's priests yesterday to stay celibate.
教皇昨天直言全世界的神父都应该禁欲。
来自柯林斯例句
2. I was celibate for two years.
我有两年没有性生活。
来自柯林斯例句
3. I've been celibate for the past six months.
我已禁欲六个月。
来自《权威词典》
4. He had defended the institution of a celibate priesthood.
他捍卫了独身牧师制度.
来自《简明英汉词典》
5. The instinct of the celibate warned him to hold back.
