ASCETICISM

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does asceticism mean? 

• ASCETICISM (noun)
  The noun ASCETICISM has 3 senses:

1. the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state

2. the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

3. rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint

  Familiarity information: ASCETICISM used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ASCETICISM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("asceticism" is a kind of...):

doctrine; ism; philosophical system; philosophy; school of thought (a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

asceticism; austerity; nonindulgence

Hypernyms ("asceticism" is a kind of...):

self-denial; self-discipline (the trait of practicing self discipline)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "asceticism"):

monasticism (asceticism as a form of religious life; usually conducted in a community under a common rule and characterized by celibacy and poverty and obedience)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

ascesis; asceticism

Hypernyms ("asceticism" is a kind of...):

self-control; self-denial; self-discipline (the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses)

 Context examples 

With lips compressed and clouded brow, he strode up and down the oaken floor, the very genius and impersonation of asceticism, while the great bell still thundered and clanged above his head.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)