ataraxy

English

Etymology

From Middle French ataraxie, from Ancient Greek ἀταραξία (ataraxia, “impassiveness”), from ἀ- (a-, “not”) + ταράσσω (tarassō, “I disturb”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈatəɹaksi/

Noun

ataraxy (plural ataraxies)

1. The freedom from mental disturbance; imperturbability, dogged indifference.
   • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.12:

     When the Pyrrhonians say, that ataraxy is the chiefe felicitie, which is the immobilitie of judgement, their meaning is not to speake it affirmatively [...].

   • 1973, Patrick O'Brian, HMS Surprise:

     There was no longer any need for fortitude: he felt nothing at present and there was no point in artificial ataraxy.

   • 1993, Will Self, My Idea Of Fun:

     I was nonplussed, I stared at my teacher, never before had his swollen face seemed so replete with indifference, stone ataraxy.

Translations

• Catalan: ataràxia (ca) f

Anagrams

• arataxy