abnegate

abnegate

verb

Definition of ABNEGATE

1

to give up (as a position of authority) formally <abnegated all claims to the deceased lord's domain>

Synonyms abnegate, cede, relinquish, renounce, resign, step aside (from), step down (from), surrender

Related Words abjure, demit, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, waive; forsake, give up, hand over, yield; abandon, desert, quit, vacate

Near Antonyms appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, confiscate; seize, take over, usurp, wrest; defend, guard, protect, safeguard, secure

2

to solemnly or formally reject or go back on (as something formerly adhered to) <felt that if the Congress adopted these security measures, it would be abnegating the nation's fundamental commitment to individual rights>

Synonyms abnegate, forswear (also foreswear), recant, renege, renounce, repeal, repudiate, retract, take back, unsay, withdraw

Related Words contradict, deny, disavow, disclaim, disown, gainsay, negate, negative; abandon, bolt, forsake, give up, relinquish, spurn, surrender; controvert, disagree (with), disprove, dispute, rebut, refute; back down, back off, backtrack; disallow, recall, revoke

Near Antonyms acknowledge, admit, affirm, assert, avow, claim, contend, declare, maintain, proclaim, profess, state, vouch, vow; back, confirm, defend, endorse (also indorse), espouse, maintain, support, uphold; accept, adopt, embrace

Antonyms adhere (to)