Abnegation

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈæb.nɪˈɡɘɪ.ʃnÌ©/, /ˈæb.niˈɡɘɪ.ʃnÌ©/
• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

Origin

First attested before 1398. From abnegacioun Late Latin abnegātiō, from abnegō ("refuse, deny"), from ab ("off") + negō ("deny; refuse, say no"). Compare French abnégation.

Full definition of abnegation

Noun

1. A denial; a renunciation; denial of desire or self-interest. First attested around 1350 to 1470.

• 1558, w, Letter to the Queen Dowager, With abnegation of God, of his honor, and of religion, they may retain the friendship of the court.
• 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Tony's face expressed relief, and Nettie sat silent for a moment until the vicar said “It was a generous impulse, but it may have been a momentary one, while in the case of monk and crusader there must have been a sustaining purpose, and possibly a great abnegation, a leaving of lands and possessions.”

Synonyms

• repudiation
• denial
• renunciation

Related terms

• abnegate
• abnegator

Derived terms

• self-abnegation