abnegate

IPA/ˈæb.nɪ.ɡeɪt/
IPA/ˈæb.nə.ɡeɪt/

abnegate — verb

  • abnegatepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • abnegates3rd person singular
  • abnegating-ing form
  • abnegatedpast simple

1. to choose not to have or do something that you enjoy, as a deliberate act of sel

1.verbtransitiveC2
Definition

to choose not to have or do something that you enjoy, as a deliberate act of self‑discipline or for a higher purpose

Example

During Lent, Mira abnegated chocolate and social media as a personal challenge.

collocation: abnegate + pleasure / food / habit

The elderly monk had abnegated all earthly possessions decades ago.

Common collocations
  • abnegate pleasure
  • abnegate food
  • abnegate possessions
  • abnegate comfort
Synonyms
  • forgo

    more common in everyday English; less formal

  • renounce

    suggests a permanent or public giving up, often for ideological reasons

  • abstain from

    focuses on not doing something rather than not possessing it

Antonyms
  • indulge in

    to allow yourself to have or do something enjoyable

  • allow oneself

    the opposite of refusing oneself something

Grammar Patterns

abnegate + noun (the thing you choose to give up)

Usage Note

Very formal and literary; far more common in written texts than in everyday speech. Often describes a voluntary sacrifice for moral, religious, or health reasons.

Common Mistakes

She abnegated from eating sweets.
She abnegated sweets.
'abnegate' is transitive and takes a direct object without a preposition.

2. to say that something is not true or that you are not involved in it; or to reje

2.verbtransitiveC2
Definition

to say that something is not true or that you are not involved in it; or to reject an offer rather than accept it

Example

Tomás abnegated all responsibility for the missing files during the company audit.

pattern: abnegate + abstract noun (responsibility / blame / knowledge)

The factory manager abnegated any knowledge of the faulty parts sold last year.

Common collocations
  • abnegate responsibility
  • abnegate blame
  • abnegate knowledge
  • abnegate an offer
  • abnegate involvement
Synonyms
  • deny

    more direct and common; can be used in everyday situations

  • disclaim

    formal, especially in legal contexts; suggests refusing to accept a connection

  • reject

    broader in meaning; can apply to offers, ideas, or people

Antonyms
  • accept

    to take something offered or admit that something is true

  • acknowledge

    to admit that something is true or that you are involved

Grammar Patterns

abnegate + noun (the accusation, offer, or responsibility being rejected)

Usage Note

The object is nearly always an abstract noun such as responsibility, blame, knowledge, involvement, or an offer. Less common with concrete objects.

Common Mistakes

He abnegated to accept the offer.
He abnegated the offer.
'abnegate' takes a direct object, not an infinitive clause.

3. to voluntarily give away a formal position, legal entitlement, or authority over

3.verbtransitiveC2
Definition

to voluntarily give away a formal position, legal entitlement, or authority over something

Example

After the revolution, the emperor abnegated the throne and went into exile.

pattern: abnegate + power / position / right

Adisa abnegated his legal claim to the estate after the divorce was finalized.

Common collocations
  • abnegate power
  • abnegate authority
  • abnegate control
  • abnegate the throne
  • abnegate a right
  • abnegate a position
Synonyms
  • relinquish

    similar level of formality; often used for power or control

  • surrender

    can imply force or unwillingness, unlike 'abnegate' which suggests choice

  • abdicate

    specifically used for a throne or formal leadership role

Antonyms
  • retain

    to keep something rather than give it up

  • hold on to

    less formal; to keep possession or control

Grammar Patterns

abnegate + noun (the power, position, or right being surrendered)

Usage Note

Common with nouns like throne, power, authority, control, right, position, or seat. Suggests a deliberate, usually voluntary act rather than forced removal.

Common Mistakes

The king abnegated from the throne.
The king abnegated the throne.
no preposition is needed; 'abnegate' is transitive.

Word family

  • abnegation
    nounC2
  • self-abnegation
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe choosing not to have or do something, but they differ in scope and register. 'Forgo' is the most neutral and widely used — you can forgo dessert, a holiday, or an opportunity without any moral weight. 'Renounce' is more formal and suggests a public, often permanent declaration, such as renouncing citizenship or a belief. 'Abstain' focuses on the act of not doing something (abstaining from voting or alcohol) rather than not possessing it. 'Abnegate' is the rarest and most formal of the group, carrying a literary tone and implying a deliberate, often virtuous act of self-denial. For everyday situations, use 'forgo'; for a strong formal statement, 'renounce' or 'abnegate' may be appropriate.

forgo ↗renounceabstain ↗abnegate ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'abnegare', formed from 'ab-' (away) and 'negare' (to deny). The verb entered English in the mid-17th century, initially carrying the sense of 'to deny or refuse', and later developed the narrower meaning of self-denial or giving up rights.

First known use

1543

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1