Stoicism

American  

[stoh-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈstoʊ əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. a systematic philosophy, dating from around 300 b.c., that held the principles of logical thought to reflect a cosmic reason instantiated in nature.

2. (lowercase) conduct conforming to the precepts of the Stoics, as repression of emotion and indifference to pleasure or pain.

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stoicism British  

/ ˈstəʊɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. indifference to pleasure and pain

2. (capital) the philosophy of the Stoics

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Stoicism Cultural  

1. A philosophy that flourished in ancient Greece and Rome. Stoics believed that people should strictly restrain their emotions in order to attain happiness and wisdom; hence, they refused to demonstrate either joy or sorrow.

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Related Words

See patience.

Etymology

Origin of Stoicism

First recorded in 1620–30; Stoic + -ism

Explanation

If you rarely show emotion or feeling, that’s stoicism. Your stoicism helps you endure physical or emotional discomfort without complaint, a helpful trait for long car trips with annoying people. The noun stoicism, pronounced "STOW-ih-siz-um," comes from Stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophical school, which taught that reason could overcome destructive emotions for a more virtuous life. Having great control over one’s emotions and responding calmly to misfortune are the marks of stoicism. If you take the good and the bad in stride without drama of any kind, your stoicism is admirable.

Example Sentences

It might be her most personal yet, finding inspiration in a philosophy she uses to sustain her spirit: Stoicism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The philosophic movements that emerged soon after Diogenes’ time, Stoicism and Epicureanism, aimed to help adherents overcome the fear of death.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 17, 2025

He urged Bhogal to schedule group video calls to discuss rationalism, Stoicism and effective altruism.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2024

Stoicism, with its emphasis on living in harmony with one's true nature, calls individuals to embrace their inherent rationality and moral compass, allowing them to make choices aligned with their highest values.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024

With the Renaissance revival of Stoicism the word ‘philosophical’ acquired a new meaning: philosophers, it was held, were able to moderate their passions and to be unmoved by the blows of fortune.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton