asceticism

American  

[uh-set-uh-siz-uhm] / əˈsɛt əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. the manner of life, practices, or principles of an ascetic.

2. the doctrine that a person can attain a high spiritual and moral state by practicing self-denial, self-mortification, and the like.

3. rigorous self-denial; extreme abstinence; austerity.

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asceticism Cultural  

1. An austere, simple way of life in which persons renounce material pleasures and devote their energy to moral or religious purpose.

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Other Word Forms

• nonasceticism noun

Etymology

Origin of asceticism

First recorded in 1640–50; ascetic + -ism

Example Sentences

His timing was impeccable, meeting a counterculture primed to embrace ISKCON’s practices of communal living, ecstatic dancing and asceticism.

From New York Times

There’s an asceticism to bespoke suit making that can be found in the religion as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, she pivoted to a life of Eastern asceticism and spiritual practice.

From New York Times

He is a follower of the Jain religion, which emphasizes asceticism, and he and his family tightly control his conglomerate.

From New York Times

Mr. Adani and his family, including his wife, Priti, a dentist who runs the family foundation, are adherents of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes asceticism.

From New York Times

Related Words

• divinity
• faith
• inviolability
• purity
• righteousness
• solemnity
• spirituality