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 British  

/ əˈsɛtɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the behaviour, discipline, or outlook of an ascetic, esp of a religious ascetic

2. the principles of ascetic practices, esp in the early Christian Church

3. the theory and system of ascetic practices

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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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2023

Saint Anthony was perhaps the most famous of the so-called Desert Fathers who in the third century chose to give up his possessions and practice asceticism in the Egyptian desert.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

Fuyuko realizes that her asceticism has masked hidden hurts.

From Washington Post • May 5, 2022

Mitropoulos’s stint in the Twin Cities was radical in more than just repertoire, challenging the godlike halo of other conductors with his asceticism.

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2022

Although his income was small, he had no taste for luxury—his experience in the monastery had solidified his natural asceticism while it developed his preference for solitude.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

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