əˈsɛ.tɪk ɒˈstɪə(ɹ) ɔˈstiɹ sɪˈvɪr ˈspɑː(ɹ)tən practicing great self-denial Be systematically ascetic … do … something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it a desert nomad's austere life a spartan diet a spartan existence unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment a parent severe to the pitch of hostility a hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien a strict disciplinarian a Spartan upbringing resolute in the face of pain or danger or adversity spartan courage