'abnegate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abnegare,' where 'ab-' meant 'away' and 'negare' meant 'to deny.'

'abnegare' transformed into the Late Latin word 'abnegatus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abnegate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to deny or refuse,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.