Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Self-denial \Self`-de*ni"al\, n.
   The denial of one's self; forbearing to gratify one's own
   desires; self-sacrifice.

Source : WordNet®

self-denial
     n 1: the trait of practicing self discipline [syn: {self-discipline}]
     2: the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses [syn:
         {self-discipline}, {self-control}]
     3: renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests
        of others [syn: {abnegation}, {self-abnegation}, {denial},
         {self-renunciation}]