1. people who practice severe self-discipline and abstain from worldly pleasures, especially for religious reasons

Examples

• The ascetics lived in caves and ate only simple foods.
• Many ascetics dedicate their lives to prayer and meditation.
• Ancient ascetics often gave up all material possessions.
• The monastery was home to several devoted ascetics.
• These ascetics fasted regularly as part of their spiritual practice.
• Buddhist ascetics shave their heads and wear simple robes.