self-denial

noun

self-de·​ni·​al ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l How to pronounce self-denial (audio)
: a restraint or limitation of one's own desires or interests

Examples of self-denial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The last week of January in particular would be an excellent time to decamp somewhere pretty, travel for pleasure, or do some spiritual seeking (but maybe the kind that comes with laughter and good food, and not strict rules and self-denial). Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2023 Shocking self-indulgence sits cheek by jowl with self-denial. Tobi Haslett, Harper's Magazine, 18 Sep. 2023 That an ancient philosophy based on self-denial could find an audience among TikTokers, subredditors, and gladiatorial millionaires suggested two possibilities: Stoicism either had quite a lot going for it, or nothing at all. Tom Bissell, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'self-denial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-denial was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near self-denial

Cite this Entry

“Self-denial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-denial. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-denial

noun
self-de·​ni·​al
ˌself-di-ˈnī(-ə)l
: the refusal to satisfy one's own desires

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