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

Asceticism in pursuit of losing a few pounds is perceived as almost righteous.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2023

“The Fate of Rural Hell: Asceticism and Desire in Buddhist Thailand” is discounted 7 percent.

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2014

Asceticism and sacrifice are needful to the Christian, says Teilhard, but they are relative; one man's austerity may be another's self-indulgence �it depends where one is in the climb up the spiritual mountain.

From Time Magazine Archive

Asceticism and Sybaritic luxury have in common an over-estimate of the importance of the material things.

From The Expositor's Bible: Colossians and Philemon by Maclaren, Alexander

Asceticism, usually taken as evidence to the reverse, is on the contrary, confirmative.

From Religion & Sex Studies in the Pathology of Religious Development by Cohen, Chapman

Related Words

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