self-denial vs ascesis

self-denial and ascesis both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
self-denial	Yes	No	No	No
ascesis	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, ascesis is a hyponym of self-denial; that is, ascesis is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than self-denial:

Other hyponyms of self-denial include abstinence, asceticism, mortification.

self-denial (noun)	ascesis (noun)
the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses	rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint
renunciation of your own interests in favor of the interests of others
the trait of practicing self discipline