abnegation

[ ab-ni-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of abnegating, or denying oneself some rights, conveniences, etc.:

   It was a time of austerity and abnegation.

2. the act of relinquishing or giving up a right, possession, etc.:

   abnegation of parental responsibilities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abnegation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, for an earlier sense; from Late Latin abnegation-, stem of abnegatio “denial,” equivalent to Latin abnegāt(us), past participle of abnegāre “to deny” + -iō -ion ( def ); abnegate ( def )