asceticism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state
  2. noun the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)
    nonindulgence; austerity.
  3. noun rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint
    ascesis.

WordNet

As*cet"i*cism noun
Definitions
  1. The condition, practice, or mode of life, of ascetics.

Webster 1913