self-abnegation

[ self-ab-ni-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. self-denial or self-sacrifice.

self-abnegation

noun

1. the denial of one's own interests in favour of the interests of others

Derived Forms

• ˌself-ˈabneˌgating, adjective

Other Words From

• self-abne·gating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-abnegation¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

Breaking the link between fossil fuel and our energy-fueled lifestyle requires a certain amount of self-abnegation.

From The Daily Beast

On the contrary, Barkley debunks his own presence in the spot, in a brilliant stroke of marketing self-abnegation.

From The Daily Beast

His devotion to you is the most beautiful expression of self-abnegation that I have ever met.

From Project Gutenberg

John Stuart Mill says that utter self-abnegation has been preached to women as a peculiarly feminine virtue.

From Project Gutenberg

But, save in this entire self-abnegation and social exclusion, Mr. McDonogh had none of the habits of the miser.

From Project Gutenberg

It is difficult to decide what is meant by sacrifice and self-abnegation in this world of human subterfuge and self-deception.

From Project Gutenberg

She needed someone to listen, not to talk, and Mary had been trained by long years of self-abnegation to fill that post.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• disavowal
• repudiation