abnegation

American  

[ab-ni-gey-shuhn] / ˌæb nɪˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of abnegating, or denying oneself some rights, conveniences, etc..

   It was a time of austerity and abnegation.

2. the act of relinquishing or giving up a right, possession, etc..

   abnegation of parental responsibilities.

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Etymology

Origin of abnegation

First recorded in 1350–1400, for an earlier sense; from Late Latin abnegation-, stem of abnegatio “denial,” equivalent to Latin abnegāt(us), past participle of abnegāre “to deny” + -iō -ion ( def. ); see abnegate ( def. )

Explanation

When you purposely deny yourself something, especially in favor of the needs of others, you would describe this act as an abnegation. This has to be your choice, not the choice of others — so it's not abnegation when your parents don't let you stay out all night. The noun abnegation definitely has the sense of self-denial and self-sacrifice. So you wouldn't use abnegation to refer to the fact that you are giving up candy in order to eat more fruit. Instead, you would use the word if you were giving up desserts in order to donate to charity all the money you saved by not eating them for a month or two. Some religions have fast days and you would definitely use abnegation if you've given up all food or something you like to eat in order to follow the rules and requirements of your beliefs.

Example Sentences

Born into Abnegation, which values selflessness, Tris signed up with Team Dauntless in the inaugural movie.

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2015

Latecomers can apply the mnemonic device FACADE: Factionless for the outsiders, Amity for the famers, Candor for the truthsayers, Abnegation for the selfless, Dauntless for the daring and Erudite for the smarties.

From Time • Mar. 18, 2015

Dauntless are the warrior class, those in Amity farm the earth, the clever Erudite store knowledge, Candor members enact the law, and selfless Abnegation leads.

From Slate • Mar. 21, 2014

I am beginning to understand why my mother joined Abnegation when she was supposed to join Erudite.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

It contains some yellow and red, from the Amity, and some gray, from the Abnegation, colors I rarely see side by side.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth