ascesis

American  

[uh-see-sis] / əˈsi sɪs /

Also askesis

noun

plural

asceses

1. strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.

---

ascesis British  

/ əˈsiːsɪs /

noun

1. the exercise of self-discipline

---

Etymology

Origin of ascesis

First recorded in 1870–75; from Greek askēsis “exercise, training,” equivalent to askē- (variant stem of askeîn “to practice, train”) + -sis noun suffix; -sis

Example Sentences

Remy de Gourmont would free us from the rule of dogmatist and moralist, but he would free us from these without plunging us into a yet sterner ascesis.

From Suspended Judgments Essays on Books and Sensations by Powys, John Cowper

Monophysitism adopted this tradition, and made ascesis the central duty of the Christian life.

From Monophysitism Past and Present A Study in Christology by Luce, A. A. (Arthur Aston)

Non raro sub nomine theologiæ mysticæ intelligitur etiam ascesis, sed immerito.

From Christian Mysticism by Inge, William Ralph