Definition of "ascetic" in English

adjective

1. Of or relating to ascetics.

2. Characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.

   • 1999, Alan Davies, Tradition and Modernity in Protestant Christianity, Karigoudar Ishwaran (editor), Ascetic Culture: Renunciation and Worldly Engagement, page 30, The rich communal life of the most ascetic Protestants, for example, the Hutterites and the Old Order Mennonites, with their nineteenth century dress and preference for antiquated technology, refutes such superficial judgments.
   • 2004, Phyllis G. Jestice, Ascetics as Holy People, Phyllis G. Jestice (editor), Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Entries A to G, page 70, Throughout the hagiographical tradition, though, holy people have engaged in more ascetic practices than the population at large, usually proceeding two or three degrees beyond what is expected among the merely pious.

noun

1. One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.