Ascetic vs. Fanatical — What's the Difference?

Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

Possessed with or motivated by excessive, irrational zeal.

A person who follows an ascetic life.

Having an extreme, irrational zeal or enthusiasm for a specific cause.

A person who renounces material comforts and leads a life of austere self-discipline, especially as an act of religious devotion.

Characteristic of, or relating to, fanaticism; fanatic.

Relating to, characteristic of, or leading a life of self-discipline and self-denial, especially for spiritual improvement.

Marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea;

Of or relating to ascetics

Characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.

One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.

Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe.

In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things.

Practices self denial as spiritual discipline

Pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline;

Practicing great self-denial;