encratite

/ɛnˈkrætaɪt/

Definitions

1. noun

A member of a Christian sect that rejected marriage and sex.

“The historian studied the encratite movement and its influence on early Christian thought.”

2. noun

A type of early Christian asceticism that emphasized abstinence from sex and marriage.

“The encratite movement was a significant aspect of early Christian theology and practice.”

Synonyms

  • ascetic
  • hermit

Antonyms

  • hedonist
  • libertine