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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2023

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

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2023

Attempting asceticism sets patients up for a phenomenon known as the abstinence violation effect, where a minor lapse turns into a huge binge, because people believe they've already blown their recovery anyway.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2022

Environmental asceticism clearly has very limited political appeal in this country, and it will have even less abroad for consumers eager to attain lifestyles Americans take for granted.

From Washington Post • Jul. 18, 2021

As a boy I was occupied with the gods and sacrifices, as a youth with asceticism, with thinking and meditation.

From "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse

Related Words

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