Both Uses of
abnegate
in
War and Peace
- The English have not understood and cannot understand the self-abnegation of our Emperor who wants nothing for himself, but only desires the good of mankind.†
Chpt 1 *
- She did not think of applying submission and self-abnegation to her own life, for she was accustomed to seek other joys, but she understood and loved in another those previously incomprehensible virtues.†
Chpt 15
Definition:
-
(abnegate) to renounce or rejectThe exact meaning of abnegate can depend upon its context. For example:
- "to abnegate his responsibilities as a father" -- to reject or ignore a duty
- "to practice self-abnegation" -- to deny oneself (voluntarily give something up such as a luxury)
- "to abnegate her faith" -- to reject a belief
- "to abnegate her legal rights" -- to give up a claim, title, or position of power