Intentionally subjecting
yourself to some species of
punishment, be it
physical or
mental in nature, for purposes of symbolic resolution or abandonment. Examples include: consumption of
mustard powder, swimming in the ocean when it's
too fucking cold,
self-mutilation, going on
beer binges,
fasting,
spinning until you fall down and puke, abstaining from
intercourse for as many minutes as you can stand.
See also: Stalin's purification of the Communist Party.