self-denial

noun

self-de·​ni·​al ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l How to pronounce self-denial (audio)
: a restraint or limitation of one's own desires or interests

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-denial was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near self-denial

Cite this Entry

“Self-denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-denial. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

self-denial

noun
self-de·​ni·​al
ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l
: the refusal to satisfy one's own desires

More from Merriam-Webster on self-denial

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY