asceticism

noun ! Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about asceticism at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

1. The doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state.
2. The trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures).
3. Rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint.