Stoicize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To adopt the principles of enduring pain or hardship without showing feelings or complaint ; to cultivate a calm, unemotional attitude in the face of adversity ; to practice self-control and restraint in emotional expression
2. To embrace a philosophy that helps one bear suffering or difficulty without outward reaction ; to intentionally develop a composed and impassive demeanor despite challenges ; to exercise discipline over one's emotions and reactions for mental resilience
3. To deliberately incorporate stoic ideals by facing troubles without visible distress ; to foster an attitude of fortitude and emotional detachment when confronted with hardship ; to train oneself to remain serene and unflinching amid unfavorable circumstances

Etymology: "Stoicize" is simply "stoic" with the verb-forming suffix "-ize" added. "Stoic" traces back to the Stoa Poikile, the painted colonnade in Athens where the philosopher Zeno of Citium taught in the early third century BCE, and his followers came to be called Stoics after it. The Greek "stoa" meant a covered walkway or porch, so the name of the school literally refers to a place where people walked and talked. The suffix "-ize" comes from Greek "-izein" by way of Latin "-izare" and French "-iser," and English has used it to turn nouns and adjectives into verbs since the Middle Ages. Adding it to "stoic" yields a verb meaning to make oneself or others behave in the Stoic manner, that is, to bear hardship calmly and keep feelings in check. The formation is straightforward, so the interest lies mainly in the school's founding image: a porch where Zeno taught became a byword for composure.