abnegation

noun

ab·​ne·​ga·​tion ˌab-ni-ˈgā-shən 

formal

: denial

especially : self-denial

Monks practice abnegation of the material aspects of human life.

Synonyms

• refusal
• renunciation
• denial
• renouncement

Examples of abnegation in a Sentence

the couple's sudden abnegation of life in the fast lane for work as missionaries stunned everyone

Recent Examples on the Web

Mike’s journey in the film is one of abnegation and humility, which Arbery (and, presumably, Gavras) might suggest is one way to deal with the ever-mounting apocalyptic unease that has gripped much of the world of late. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 7 Sep. 2025

The feats, the ecstasies, the prostrations and abnegations. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025

Is that an abnegation of interviewer responsibility? —David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2023

The life that Alharthi describes is one of almost saintly self-abnegation. —Ron Charles, Washington Post, 24 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abnegacioun, borrowed from Late Latin abnegātiōn-, abnegātiō, from Latin abnegāre "to refute, decline, deny" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at abnegate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing abnegation

• self-abnegation

Rhymes for abnegation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation
• adaptation