Ascetic
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
- 1 One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.
"First, the technical terms used to signify hindu ascetics, hermits, mendicants and some related terms are analysed in their religious meaning with the view of avoiding a good deal of confusion that exists in such studies."
- 2 someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline wordnet
- 1 Of or relating to ascetics.
- 2 Characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.
"In a word, the stern, ascetic rigor of the temple discipline, which had been so long exchanged for prodigal and licentious indulgence, seemed at once to have revived at Templestowe under the severe eye of Lucas Beaumanoir."
- 1 practicing great self-denial wordnet
- 2 pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline wordnet
Example
More examples"The wealthy, self-indulgent young man felt oddly drawn to the strict, ascetic life led by members of some monastic orders."
Etymology
First use appears c. 1646. From Medieval Latin asceticus, from Ancient Greek ἀσκητικός (askētikós), from ἀσκητής (askētḗs, “monk, hermit”), from ἀσκέω (askéō, “I exercise”).
Related phrases
More for "ascetic"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.