self-renunciation

American  

[self-ri-nuhn-see-ey-shuhn, self-] / ˈsɛlf rɪˌnʌn siˈeɪ ʃən, ˌsɛlf- /

noun

1. renunciation of one's own will, interests, etc.

---

self-renunciation British  

noun

1. the renunciation of one's own rights, claims, interest, etc, esp in favour of those of others

---

Other Word Forms

• self-renunciatory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of self-renunciation

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

If this is followed to its logical conclusion, Harvard will undergo nothing short of total self-renunciation.

From Washington Post • Mar. 18, 2016

It is startling to realize that what we call extreme self-seeking is actually self-renunciation.

From Time Magazine Archive

Many were the causes which predisposed her to what was, after all, anything but an act of self-renunciation.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 3 "Chitral" to "Cincinnati" by Various

In the passion for political greatness as such, the Dutch have never found the spur, the incitement to heroic action or to heroic self-renunciation which religion for a time supplied.

From The Origins and Destiny of Imperial Britain Nineteenth Century Europe by Cramb, J. A. (John Adam)

Christ, the great Model of self-renunciation, appeals for sympathy to the better self within each one of us—which was created in us—the breath of God in man.

From Niece Catherine by Hampden, Mary