asceticism

[uh-set-uh-siz-uh m] /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.
Origin
1640-50; ascetic + -ism
Related forms
nonasceticism, noun
Examples from the web for asceticism
  • Monastic asceticism stands at odds with the physical quality of human nature.
  • His asceticism seems also to govern his view of narrative.
  • They have none of the asceticism of their forebears.
  • Piety led her to the severest asceticism.
  • Boats breed a kind of asceticism — there simply isn't room to be a pack rat.
  • Its holy men practice an extreme asceticism.
  • That ritual asceticism stands for more than physical fitness.
  • Yet asceticism and lean muscle are the real fabric of all three pieces.
  • Plywood has also been admired, function aside, for its asceticism.
  • Drinking is a protest against the imposition of a culturally constructed feminine asceticism.
British Dictionary definitions for asceticism

asceticism

/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
Word Origin and History for asceticism
n.

1640s, from ascetic (adj.) + -ism. Sometimes also ascetism (c.1850).

asceticism in Culture
asceticism [(uh-set-uh-siz-uhm)]

An austere, simple way of life in which persons renounce material pleasures and devote their energy to moral or religious purpose.