abnegatio

Abnegatio is a Latin noun meaning self-denial or renunciation. Etymologically, it comes from ab- meaning away from and negare meaning to deny; in English, its closest cognate is abnegation.

In religious contexts, abnegatio denotes ascetic practices that renounce sensual pleasures, wealth, or social status as a moral virtue, often within Christian monasticism, penance, or devotional discipline. It is associated with the imitation of Christ’s renunciation and with vows of poverty or chastity in some orders.

In philosophy and ethics, the term may be used to describe the deliberate suppression of the self or ego for the sake of others or the greater good. In modern usage, however, the word is comparatively rare and “self-denial” or “asceticism” are more common terms.

Scholarly discussions of abnegatio appear mainly in historical, theological, or Latin-language texts. The term is typically encountered in discussions of medieval and early modern spirituality, where self-denial is presented as a means of spiritual progress rather than as a contemporary ethical framework.

See also: Abnegation, Self-denial, Asceticism, Renunciation, Poverty (vow of).