ataraxy

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈatəɹaksi/

Noun

ataraxy (uncountable)

1. Freedom from mental disturbance; imperturbability, dogged indifference.
   • 1603, John Florio, transl.; Michel de Montaigne, The Essayes, […], printed at London: […] Edward Blount […], OCLC 946730821:
     , 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.