Is there a single word that means "self flagellation" or "self punishment"?


In the back of my mind, I'm almost certain there are at least several individual English word that means to punish one's self. It doesn't have to be physical, necessarily, but it must be some kind of self-punishment. Are there such words? Clinical words are also accepted (i.e. psychological terminology).



Answer



Asceticism is a form of self-denial, or voluntary suffering, especially as a way of life. It isn't always associated with guilt though.


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