Asceticism
/əˈsɛtɪsɪzəm/noun
The practice of strict self-discipline and abstention from physical or worldly pleasures, often for religious purposes.
Did you know?Early Christian ascetics borrowed the language of Greek athletes, treating fasting, celibacy, and prayer as exercises designed to train the soul.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀσκεῖν (askein)
“To work, practice, or train through disciplined effort”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἄσκησις (askēsis)
“Exercise, training, or disciplined practice”
Late Antiquity
Greek
ἀσκητής (askētēs)
“A person who practices discipline or self-training; an ascetic”
4th Century
Late Latin
ascēsis
“Ascetic discipline or religious training”
17th Century
English
ascetic
“Practicing severe self-discipline, especially for religious reasons”
18th Century
English
asceticism
“The system or practice of ascetic discipline”