as·cet·i·cism (?-s?t??-s?z??m)n.1. The principles and practices of an ascetic; extreme self-denial and austerity.2. The doctrine that the ascetic life releases the soul from bondage to the body and permits union with the divine.American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.asceticism (??s?t??s?z?m) n1. (Ecclesiastical Terms) the behaviour, discipline, or outlook of an ascetic, esp of a religious ascetic2. (Ecclesiastical Terms) the principles of ascetic practices, esp in the early Christian Church3. (Ecclesiastical Terms) the theory and system of ascetic practicesCollins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014asceticisma severe self-deprivation for ethical, religious, or intellectual ends. ? ascetic, n., adj.See also: Behavior-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.