Definition of ascetic Ascetic

/ʌsɛˈtɪk/ - [usetik] - as•cet•ic

We found 9 definitions of ascetic from 6 different sources.

What does ascetic mean?

Adjective
ascetic - practicing great self-denial; "Be systematically ascetic...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it"- William James; "a desert nomad's austere life"; "a spartan diet"; "a spartan existence"
		ascetical, austere, spartan
		abstemious sparing in consumption of especially food and drink; "the pleasures of the table, never of much consequence to one naturally abstemious"- John Galsworthy
ascetic - pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline; "ascetic practices"
		ascetical

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

ascetic (Noun)
One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.
ascetic (Adjective)
Of or relating to ascetics; characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.

ascetic (a.)
Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe.
ascetic (n.)
In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things.

ascetic
A person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.

ascetic
as-set′ik, n. one who rigidly denies himself ordinary sensual gratifications for conscience' sake, one who aims to compass holiness through self-mortification, the flesh being considered as the seat of sin, and therefore to be chastened: a strict hermit.—adjs. Ascet′ic, -al, excessively rigid: austere: recluse.—adv. Ascet′ically.—n. Ascet′icism. [Gr. askētikos (adj. askētēs), one that uses exercises to train himself—askein, to work, take exercise, (eccles.) to mortify the body.]