abnegate

UK: /ˈæbnɪɡeɪt/ | US: /ˈæbnɪɡeɪt/

Definition

  1. vt. to deny or renounce (a right, belief, or desire)

  2. vt. to surrender or relinquish (something valued)

Structure
ab <away>neg <deny>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin abnegare ("to refuse, deny"), combining ab- (away) + negare (to deny). The root neg- appears in English words like "negative" and "negate," consistently conveying refusal or denial. Over time, "abnegate" evolved to emphasize voluntary renunciation, often in moral or spiritual contexts.

Examples

  1. She chose to abnegate her inheritance for a life of simplicity.

  2. The monk abnegated all worldly possessions.

  3. Leaders must sometimes abnegate personal desires for the greater good.

  4. His vow required him to abnegate material comforts.

  5. The philosopher advocated abnegating selfish impulses.