Ascesis
/əˈsiːsɪs/noun
The practice of rigorous self-discipline, especially through spiritual or religious exercises.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, ascesis referred first to athletic training and later to philosophical and religious discipline, giving ascetic practice its language of spiritual conditioning.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄσκησις (áskēsis)
“Exercise, training, or disciplined practice”
Classical Greek
Greek
ἀσκεῖν (askeîn)
“To exercise, train, or practice”
Late Antiquity
Greek
ἄσκησις (áskēsis)
“Philosophical or religious discipline, especially self-control”
Late Latin
Latin
ascēsis
“Ascetic or spiritual discipline”
17th Century
English
ascesis
“A regimen of religious self-discipline”
Modern English
English
ascesis
“Rigorous spiritual or ethical self-training”
Explore more surprising origins