abjection

noun

ab·jec·tion ab-ˈjek-shən

Synonyms of abjection next

: a low or downcast state : degradation

: the act of making abject : humbling, rejection

I protest … this vile abjection of youth to age—

G. B. Shaw

Examples of abjection in a Sentence

sees the corporate scandal as yet another sign of the general abjection of our society

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

How much provocation will be accepted; how much abjection is still lovable? —

Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2024 Their work forgoes relatability to revel in delusion, with all its abjection and pathos—especially their own. —

Seyward Darby, Longreads, 15 Aug. 2024 Mitchell performed abjection at her past self, cringing at every photo. —

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 24 May 2024 But Reeves didn’t embrace abjection the way his wife did. —

Maggie Doherty, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abjection

Word History

Etymology

Middle English abjectioun "humbleness, abject state, outcasts," borrowed from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French abjeccioun "rejection, outcasts," borrowed from Late Latin abjectiōn-, abjectiō "casting away, rejection, humbled condition, humbleness," going back to Latin, "dejection," from abicere "to throw down" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at abject

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of abjection was in the 15th century

See more words from the same century