The Definition of Abnegate

ab·ne·gate /ˈæbnɪˌgeɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ab-ni-geyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object), -gat·ed, -gat·ing. 1. to refuse or deny oneself (some rights, conveniences, etc.); reject; renounce.
2. to relinquish; give up.


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[Origin: 1650–60; < L abnegātus denied (ptp. of abnegāre). See ab-, negate]

—Related forms
ab·ne·ga·tion, noun
ab·ne·ga·tor, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source ab·ne·gate (āb'nĭ-gāt') Pronunciation Key
tr.v. ab·ne·gat·ed, ab·ne·gat·ing, ab·ne·gates

To give up (rights or a claim, for example); renounce.
To deny (something) to oneself: The minister abnegated the luxuries of life.


[Latin abnegāre, abnegāt-, to refuse : ab-, away; see ab-1 + negāre, to deny; see ne in Indo-European roots.]

ab'ne·ga'tor n.

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WordNet - Cite This Source abnegate

verb
1. deny oneself (something); restrain, especially from indulging in some pleasure; "She denied herself wine and spirits" [syn: deny]
2. surrender (power or a position); "The King abnegated his power to the ministers"
3. deny or renounce; "They abnegated their gods"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.