← Back to Fala2Me

self-denial

[/ˌself dɪˈnaɪəl/]
nounpl: self-denials
abnegação
1. the practice of restraining oneself and not indulging in pleasures; voluntary sacrifice of one's own desires or needs
Her self-denial allowed her to save money for her children's education.
A sua abnegação permitiu-lhe poupar dinheiro para a educação dos seus filhos.
2. the refusal to satisfy a desire or demand; rejection of something one wants
The monk practiced self-denial by fasting regularly.
O monge praticava abnegação jejuando regularmente.
3. disowning or repudiating something, such as a belief or relationship
His self-denial of his former principles surprised everyone.
A sua negação dos seus antigos princípios surpreendeu a todos.
Synonyms
asceticismrenunciationrestraintabstinencesacrificeausterity
Antonyms
indulgenceself-gratificationexcesshedonism

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abnegação
most common term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
abnegação
standard usage
São Paulo
abnegação
standard usage
Portugal
abnegação
standard usage; also 'recusa de si mesmo' in some contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

practice self-denial (praticar abnegação)
an act of self-denial (um ato de abnegação)
self-denial for a cause (abnegação por uma causa)
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →