n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' se-tik, a-
Variant: also as · cet · i · cal \ -ti-k ə l \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek ask ē tikos, literally, laborious, from ask ē t ē s one that exercises, hermit, from askein to work, exercise
Date: 1646
1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline
2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude
synonyms see SEVERE
– ascetic noun
– as · cet · i · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– as · cet · i · cism \ - ' se-t ə - ˌ si-z ə m \ noun