Definition

1. Noun:
   • Rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint: The practice of severe self-discipline, typically for religious or spiritual reasons, by abstaining from physical pleasures and comforts.
   • The trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures): The quality or characteristic of someone who lives a very simple life, avoiding luxury and indulgence.
   • The doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state: A philosophical or religious principle that teaches that giving up material comforts leads to greater spiritual or mental development.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The monk's life was one of extreme asceticism, involving fasting and long hours of meditation.
  • Her asceticism was evident in her sparse apartment and simple diet.
  • The philosophy of asceticism teaches that true happiness comes from within, not from possessions.

Advanced Usage

• "To practice asceticism": To actively engage in a lifestyle of self-denial.
  • He practiced asceticism for a decade in a remote monastery.
• "A life of asceticism": A lifestyle characterized by self-discipline and renunciation.
  • The hermit chose a life of asceticism in the desert.

Variants and Related Words

• Ascetic (n/adj): A person who practices severe self-discipline; or, characteristic of such a practice.
  • The ascetic lived on a diet of bread and water.
  • His ascetic lifestyle was admired by his followers.
• Ascetically (adv): In a manner characterized by self-denial.
  • He lived ascetically, owning almost nothing.

Synonyms

• Self-denial: The act of refusing to indulge one's own desires.
• Abstinence: The practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something.
• Austerity: Sternness or severity of manner or attitude; extreme plainness and simplicity.
• Mortification: The action of subduing one's bodily desires.

Related Phrases

• "The asceticism of the desert fathers": A historical reference to the early Christian monks who lived in deserts practicing extreme self-denial.
  • The asceticism of the desert fathers has influenced Christian monastic traditions for centuries.

Noun

1. rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint
2. the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
3. the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state