asceticism
UK[əˈset.ɪ.sɪ.zəm]US[əˈset̬.ɪ.sɪ.zəm]
n
the practice of avoiding physical pleasures and living a simple life, often for religious reasons.
n
severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for spiritual or philosophical reasons.
Morpheme Breakdown
ascetic
ism
ascetic
ism
Etymology
the word asceticism has its roots in the ancient greek practice of athletic and spiritual training. the core element, ascetic, derives from the greek verb askein, which originally meant 'to work, exercise, or train', particularly in the context of crafting or athletic discipline. this concept was adopted into early christian monastic vocabulary, where askētēs came to denote a monk who rigorously trained the soul through self-denial. the addition of the noun-forming suffix -ism transformed the personal practice into an abstract doctrine or system, solidifying the modern meaning of a principled lifestyle characterized by severe self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures.
Analysis
Structure: ascetic + ism
ascetic (from greek askētikos, meaning 'laborious, rigorously self-disciplined', from askētēs 'monk, hermit', from askein 'to exercise, train'). ism (from greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of action, state, condition, or doctrine).
Examples
the monk's life of poverty and prayer was a profound example of asceticism.
his philosophical asceticism led him to reject material possessions and focus solely on intellectual pursuits.
while not a religion, the movement promoted an asceticism that included fasting and simple living.