abnegation

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabnegātiō
2. Middle English · inherited fromabnegacioun
3. English todayabnegation

First attested before 1398. From Middle English abnegacioun, borrowed from Latin abnegātiō, from abnegō (“refuse, deny”), from ab (“off”) + negō (“deny; refuse, say no”). Compare French abnégation.

First known use, by meaning

• First attested around 1350 to 1470. A denial; a renunciation; denial of desire or self-interest.