coitus reservatus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

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UK/ˈkɔɪtəs ˌrɛzəˈvɑːtəs/US/ˈkoʊ.ɪ.t̬əs ˌrez.ɚˈvɑː.t̬əs/

Technical / Medical / Specialised

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Quick answer

What does “coitus reservatus” mean?

A sexual practice in which orgasm and ejaculation are intentionally avoided or delayed.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A sexual practice in which orgasm and ejaculation are intentionally avoided or delayed.

A specific form of sexual continence often associated with certain religious or spiritual traditions (e.g., Tantra), as well as some forms of birth control or sexual technique focused on prolonged pleasure.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant regional differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally specialised in both variants.

Connotations

Clinical, academic, or esoteric. May carry connotations of deliberate control, spirituality (in certain contexts), or outdated contraceptive methods.

Frequency

Extremely rare in general discourse. Used almost exclusively in technical texts.

Grammar

How to Use “coitus reservatus” in a Sentence

The couple practiced coitus reservatus.Coitus reservatus is a method described in ancient texts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
practice of coitus reservatustechnique of coitus reservatus
medium
engage in coitus reservatustantric coitus reservatus
weak
described as coitus reservatusmethod called coitus reservatus

Examples

Examples of “coitus reservatus” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The text advised couples to practice coitus reservatus.

American English

  • Some spiritual traditions encourage couples to engage in coitus reservatus.

adjective

British English

  • The coitus reservatus technique was discussed in the workshop.

American English

  • They studied the coitus reservatus practice for their research.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Never used.

Academic

Used in medical, historical, religious studies, or sexology papers.

Everyday

Virtually never used in casual conversation.

Technical

Primary context: medical/sexological textbooks, anthropological studies, texts on Tantra or similar practices.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “coitus reservatus”

Strong

karezza (specific spiritual practice)

Neutral

non-ejaculatory sexmale continence

Weak

sexual restraintwithdrawal (related but not identical)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “coitus reservatus”

orgasmic sexejaculationcoitus interruptus (as a different specific practice)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “coitus reservatus”

  • Confusing it with 'coitus interruptus' (withdrawal before ejaculation). 'Coitus reservatus' implies intercourse continues without orgasm.
  • Using it in casual contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is highly unreliable and not recommended as a primary contraceptive method due to the high risk of pre-ejaculate containing sperm.

Coitus interruptus involves withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation. Coitus reservatus involves continuing intercourse without reaching orgasm or ejaculation at all.

Almost exclusively in specialized academic, medical, or historical texts discussing sexual practices, contraception history, or specific spiritual traditions like Tantra.

It is not a common practice in mainstream culture. It is primarily of historical, anthropological, or niche spiritual interest. Medical professionals generally do not recommend it for contraception.

A sexual practice in which orgasm and ejaculation are intentionally avoided or delayed.

Coitus reservatus is usually technical / medical / specialised in register.

Coitus reservatus: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔɪtəs ˌrɛzəˈvɑːtəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.ɪ.t̬əs ˌrez.ɚˈvɑː.t̬əs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'Coitus' (sex) + 'Reservatus' (reserved/held back) = sex where the climax is reserved or held back.

Conceptual Metaphor

SEXUAL ACTIVITY IS A JOURNEY WITH A WITHHELD DESTINATION.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The ancient tantric text described as a means to channel sexual energy.
Multiple Choice

'Coitus reservatus' is most accurately defined as:

Practise

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