renunciation

renunciation, abnegation, self-abnegation, self-denial can all mean voluntary surrender or putting aside of something desired or desirable.

Renunciation (see also under renounce at ABDICATE) commonly connotes personal sacrifice for a higher end (as the good of others, or moral discipline, or the attainment of the highest good)

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she had learnt the lesson of renunciation, and was as familiar with the wreck of each day's wishes as with the diurnal setting of the sun— Hardy

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Historically abnegation is scarcely distinguishable from self-abnegation, although the trend is toward preference for the latter or its equivalent abnegation of self. Both words more often denote a quality of character than an act, and both imply a high degree of unselfishness or a capacity for putting aside all personal interests or desires

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individuals who are willing to abandon the pleasures of the world for lepers are rare, but, when found, usually exhibit complete abnegation of self— Heiser

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his self-abnegation prevented him from taking credit for the victory— Fitzpatrick

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Self-denial, unlike abnegation, is usually applied to an act or a practice. Though it means denial of oneself or forbearance from gratifying one's own desires, it does not necessarily connote nobility in the act, its motive, or its end and is therefore applicable to a larger range of instances than either abnegation or renunciation

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her still face, with the mouth closed tight from suffering and disillusion and self-denial— D. H. Lawrence

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Analogous words: sacrificing or sacrifice, forgoing, forbearing, eschewing (see FORGO)