deny oneself

English

Verb

deny oneself (third-person singular simple present denies oneself, present participle denying oneself, simple past and past participle denied oneself)

1. To decline the gratification of appetites, desires, impulses, or needs; to practise self-denial.
   • 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 16:24:

     Let him deny himself, and take up his cross.

   • 2023, Amy Arthur, Pace Yourself: How to have energy in an exhausting world:

     When you treat your basic needs as rewards, you can easily deny yourself good health because you haven't 'earned' it.