ascesis

noun

as·​ce·​sis ə-ˈsē-səs How to pronounce ascesis (audio)
variants or less commonly askesis
ə-ˈskē-səs How to pronounce ascesis (audio)
plural asceses ə-ˈsē-(ˌ)sēz How to pronounce ascesis (audio) also askeses ə-ˈskē-(ˌ)sēz How to pronounce ascesis (audio)
: self-discipline, asceticism

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin or Greek; Late Latin, from Greek askēsis, literally, exercise, from askein

First Known Use

circa 1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ascesis was circa 1797

Rhymes for ascesis

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Browse Nearby Words

ascertainment
ascesis
ascetic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ascesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ascesis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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