Word of the Day - Abnegate

[debodun]

Abnegate (verb) - to deny, refuse, give up, renounce.

The athlete decided to abnegate the unhealthy snack even though she really wanted to have a bite.

 

[Mizmo]

He decided to abnegate his offer to marry her when he found out her mother was going to live with them.

 

[Paco Dennis]

The artist who selects them for pictorial treatment seems to me to abnegate whatever creative power he may possess, and to become an illustrator or translator of other men's thoughts.

 

[Ronni]

I use that word from time to time, though I generally use it when commenting on a person or group’s refusal to take responsibility for an action or consequence.

The rapist abnegated responsibility for his act, claiming it was the woman’s fault because she led him on.

 

[Kaila]

I use that word from time to time, though I generally use it when commenting on a person or group’s refusal to take responsibility for an action or consequence.

The rapist abnegated responsibility for his act, claiming it was the woman’s fault because she led him on.

I have always used the word abdicated rather than abnegated,
when noting that some one or group
abdicated responsibility, or their duty, or their royal or powerful position.

 

[Ronni]

I have always used the word abdicated rather than abnegated,
when noting that some one or group
abdicated responsibility, or their duty, or their royal or powerful position.

I feel like they can both be used. Usage is nuanced I think.

I’ve always understood the word abdicate to be very specifically related to royalty, whereas abnegate has a broader usage, but I think they can be interchangeable.

 

[Kaila]

Thank you for that reply, @Ronni

It helps me to understand how it is used!