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. ); 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

Above all, it requires an abnegation of the self.

From Washington Post • Sep. 9, 2022

The gospel of ‘disruptive innovation’ depends on the abnegation of history2.

From Nature • Sep. 15, 2020

If DiAngelo herself can’t resist, she performs a ritual of abnegation.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 12, 2019

Everyday brings a fresh allegation, a new self-inflicted humiliation or scandal, and the further abnegation of its responsibility to operate in good faith for the sake of its drivers and customers.

From The Verge • Dec. 29, 2017

Two tears slid down her fallen cheeks, in and out of the myriad coruscations of immolation and abnegation and time.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner