self-abnegatory
English
Etymology
self- + abnegatory
Adjective
self-abnegatory (comparative more self-abnegatory, superlative most self-abnegatory)
- 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, Imperial Purple, Chicago: Morrill, Higgins, Chapter 8, p. 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, Dangerous Ages, London: W. Collins Sons, Chapter 4, p. 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, 1995, p. 66,
- In his present self-abnegatory mood, he will not acknowledge himself able to feel anything honest and noble.