ascesis

[ uh-see-sis ]

noun

, plural as·ce·ses [uh, -, see, -seez].

1. strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.

ascesis

/ əˈsiːsɪs /

noun

1. the exercise of self-discipline

Word History and Origins

Origin of ascesis¹

First recorded in 1870–75; from Greek askēsis “exercise, training,” equivalent to askē- (variant stem of askeîn “to practice, train”) + -sis noun suffix; -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of ascesis¹

C19: from Greek, from askein to exercise

Example Sentences

Monophysitism adopted this tradition, and made ascesis the central duty of the Christian life.

From Project Gutenberg

Remy de Gourmont would free us from the rule of dogmatist and moralist, but he would free us from these without plunging us into a yet sterner ascesis.

From Project Gutenberg