self-abnegatory

English

Etymology

self- +‎ abnegatory

Adjective

self-abnegatory (comparative more self-abnegatory, superlative most self-abnegatory)

1. Of or relating to self-abnegation (the denial or invalidation of one's own needs, interests, etc. for the sake of another's).

   Synonym: self-sacrificing

   • 1892, Edgar Saltus, chapter 8, in Imperial Purple‎^[1], Chicago: Morrill, Higgins, page 193:

     one for whom that purple mantle was too gaudy, and yet who bore it, as he bore everything else, in that self-abnegatory spirit which the higher reaches of philosophy bring

   • 1921, Rose Macaulay, chapter 4, in Dangerous Ages‎^[2], London: W. Collins Sons, page 76:

     Women are so terrifically self-abnegatory; they must give, give, give, to some one all the time. Women, that is, of the mothering type, such as these.

   • 1978, Aidan Chambers, Breaktime, London: Red Fox, published 1995, page 66:

     In his present self-abnegatory mood, he will not acknowledge himself able to feel anything honest and noble.