abjection

American  

[ab-jek-shuhn] / æbˈdʒɛk ʃən /

noun

1. the condition of being servile, wretched, or contemptible.

2. the act of humiliating.

3. Mycology. the release of spores by a fungus.

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Etymology

Origin of abjection

1375–1425; late Middle English abjectioun (< Middle French ) < Latin abjectiōn-, stem of abjectiō casting away, equivalent to abject ( us ) ( see abject) + -iōn- -ion; or ab- + (e)jection

Explanation

Abjection is a kind of depressed feeling, a bleak and heavyhearted state of mind. A series of terrible jobs might send you into a state of abjection. Disappointments and bad luck can lead to a feeling of abjection, like the abjection of a gloomy poet or the abjection you can sense in the losers of a spelling bee. Abjection comes from the adjective abject, which means hopeless or unpleasant. The Latin root is abjectionem, which is literally "a throwing away," though its common meaning is "dejection or despondency."

Example Sentences

Her Roberta is prepared to drown in her own abjection, but Abbott’s Danny keeps throwing himself to her as a lifeline.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2023

What mattered more was always the creativity and abjection with which the contestants approached his personal challenge: Prove your loyalty through self-betrayal.

From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2023

They are in costume to play the role of pure abjection, expressing the painter’s inner state more than any genuine state of poverty in the real world.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2022

In a none-too-subtle commentary on celebrity culture and the abjection of fandom, this approach makes them laugh uproariously.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2021

“And not to Iceland. Oh please, your fordship, please . . .” And in a paroxysm of abjection he threw himself on his knees before the Controller.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Related Words

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