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

Explanation

Asceticism is rigorous self-denial, particularly the rejection of the pleasures of the world. If you don't drink, smoke, eat sugar, see movies, use the internet, or have a cell phone, then you are already practicing a kind of asceticism. Asceticism comes from the word ascetic, which comes from Greek roots meaning monk, and practice or exercise. Historically, Asceticism was a rigorous, laborious lifestyle, involving the denial of pleasure and rest as a way of expressing spiritual devotion. Now we use asceticism as a synonym for austerity.

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

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

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2023

Fuyuko realizes that her asceticism has masked hidden hurts.

From Washington Post • May 5, 2022

McCandless's contrived asceticism and a pseudoliterary stance compound rather than reduce the fault.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

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