abnegate

/ˌæbnəˈgeɪt/

Other forms: abnegated; abnegating; abnegates

The verb abnegate means to deny or renounce something. Scientists abnegate the existence of little green spacemen from Mars.

The verb abnegate also means to surrender a position of power. If you serve on too many committees, you may need to cut back. You could abnegate the treasurer position for P.T.A., in order to have more time to serve as president of Band Boosters. What's the difference between abnegate and abdicate? Both mean to renounce power or authority, but abdicate is usually reserved for higher offices of power. The king abdicates the throne. The CEO, who gives up day-to-day responsibility? He abnegates responsibility.

Definitions of abnegate

1. verb

   deny or renounce
   “They abnegated their gods”

   type of:

   deny

   refuse to accept or believe
2. verb

   deny oneself (something); restrain, especially from indulging in some pleasure
   synonyms: deny

   deny, refuse

   refuse to let have

   type of:

   check, contain, control, curb, hold, hold in, moderate

   lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
3. verb

   surrender (power or a position)
   “The King abnegated his power to the ministers”

   type of:

   give up, surrender

   give up or agree to forgo to the power or possession of another