asceticism

noun

as·​cet·​i·​cism ə-ˈse-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: the practice of strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline : the condition, practice, or mode of life of an ascetic : rigorous abstention from self-indulgence

Sacrifice, renunciation, asceticism, fasting, returning again to God … : these are inclinations fueled as much by instinct as by religious idealism.

—Joyce Carol Oates

Crossing the Atlantic in a small sailboat is an exercise in asceticism, a test of what the human psyche can do without.

—Sarah Ballard

2

: austerity in appearance, manner, or attitude

His neatly trimmed white beard and runner's physique suggest the asceticism of a mathematics professor, while his questioning mind signals a mistrust of surface impressions.

—Bruce Schoenfeld

In contrast to the chaste asceticism of earlier modernist office towers, the AT&T Building incorporated traditional symbols of imperial power (Roman vaults and arches), prestige (a Chippendale-inspired silhouette), and old money (a huge golden statue in the lobby, which once stood on top of the old AT&T Building).

—Witold Rybczynski

Examples of asceticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Departments & Columns The Week The Week NR Editors Tariffs will either inaugurate a new era of asceticism or opulence. —Daniel Foster, National Review, 15 May 2025

Upon his election, Bergoglio took the name Francis after Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his asceticism and ministry to the poor. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Apr. 2025

The bout of asceticism didn’t deter her from finishing a quarter of the album, however. —Arimeta Diop, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025

Louise tells tales of drunkenness, asceticism, death. —Hervé Guibert, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for asceticism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism