noun a person who has retired to a solitary place for a life of religious seclusion; a hermit
Anchorites are sometimes used as examples in philosophical discussions on the nature of solitude, self-denial, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
The figure of the anchorite appears in various works of literature as a symbol of renunciation, solitude, and devotion to a higher power.
In medieval Europe, anchorites were often revered as holy individuals who devoted themselves to a life of extreme asceticism and spiritual discipline.
An anchorite is a religious hermit or recluse who chooses to live a solitary life of prayer and meditation, often in a small enclosed space such as a cell or cave.
In literature, an anchorite may be used as a character in a story to represent isolation or extreme solitude.
In psychology, the term anchorite may be used to describe a person who seeks extreme isolation as a coping mechanism for mental health issues.
In historical studies, an anchorite may be researched as a figure from the past who chose a life of seclusion for religious or personal reasons.