abnegated
/ˈæb.nɪ.ˌɡeɪ.tɪd/
VERB
1. Denying oneself something
Deliberately giving up or refusing something one desires, needs, or is entitled to, often for reasons of duty, discipline, sacrifice, or principle.
1.1. Self-denial and personal sacrifice
Voluntarily giving up personal desires, ambitions, comforts, or interests in favor of responsibilities, principles, or the well-being of others.
Synonyms
- forsook
- forwent
- gave up
- renounced
- relinquished
- sacrificed
- denied oneself
Antonyms
Examples
- His ambitions were abnegated in favor of supporting his family through difficult times.
- Sarah's desire for recognition was abnegated by her commitment to teamwork.
Related Words
- self-denial
- self-sacrifice
- abstinence
- self-restraint
- renunciation
- discipline
- altruism
1.2. Surrendering rights and privileges
Deliberately giving up an entitlement, personal advantage, claim, or privilege rather than retaining or exercising it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- claimed
- asserted
- retained
- appropriated
- assumed
- seized
Examples
- The project's original scope was abnegated due to budget constraints.
- The compromise abnegated some of the core principles initially set forth in the agreement.
Related Words
- waiver
- entitlement
- privilege
- relinquishment
- renunciation
- concession
- ownership
VERB
2. Relinquishing or surrendering authority
Giving up a position of power, leadership, control, or responsibility, usually through a deliberate act of surrender or resignation.
2.1. Giving up leadership or authority
Voluntarily surrendering an official position, governing power, leadership responsibility, or control over an organization or institution.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- assumed
- retained
- seized
- usurped
- took over
- appropriated
Examples
- The leader's authority was not to be abnegated even in the face of opposition.
Related Words
- abdication
- resignation
- leadership
- authority
- sovereignty
- governance
- succession
VERB
3. Rejecting or repudiating a belief or position
Formally denying, abandoning, or rejecting a previously held belief, statement, commitment, or position.
3.1. Renouncing beliefs and convictions
Abandoning or formally rejecting an ideology, principle, conviction, or previously accepted belief.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The compromise abnegated some of the core principles initially set forth in the agreement.
Related Words
- renunciation
- repudiation
- disavowal
- recantation
- conviction
- ideology
- principle
- belief
VERB
4. Withdrawing or reversing a previous position
Taking back, retracting, or abandoning a previous statement, commitment, decision, or course of action.
4.1. Retracting statements and commitments
Withdrawing or reversing something previously asserted, promised, declared, or agreed upon.
Synonyms
- backed down
- backed off
- backtracked
- reneged
- retracted
- recalled
- took back
- withdrew
- unsaid
Antonyms
- reaffirmed
- maintained
- confirmed
- asserted
- upheld
- supported
Related Words
- retraction
- withdrawal
- recantation
- reversal
- reneging
- commitment
- declaration