WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
ˈself-deˈni•al,
n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- the act of giving up or holding back one's own desires;
unselfishness.
self-de•ni•al
(self′di nī′əl, self′-),USA pronunciation n.
self′-de•ny′ing, adj.
self′-de•ny′ing•ly, adv.
- the sacrifice of one's own desires;
unselfishness. - an act or instance of restraining or curbing one's desires:To reduce, one has to practice self-denial at the dinner table.
- 1635–45
self′-de•ny′ing•ly, adv.