amulet

[ am-yuh-lit ]

noun

1. a small object worn to ward off evil, harm, or illness or to bring good fortune; a protective charm.

   Synonyms: talisman, good luck charm

amulet

/ ˈæmjʊlɪt /

noun

1. a trinket or piece of jewellery worn as a protection against evil; charm

Word History and Origins

Origin of amulet¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; either from Middle French amulete or directly from Latin amulētum

Word History and Origins

Origin of amulet¹

C17: from Latin amulētum, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Facing the prospect of life-altering injury or death, men readily sacralized objects they believed might serve as amulets against harm.

From Time

In November, for instance, archaeologists dug up more than 100 ornately painted wooden coffins, some with mummies, and dozens of other artifacts, including amulets, funeral statues and masks.

From Washington Post

Was it a charm or amulet to be used by anyone which derived its value from the signification given to it?

From Project Gutenberg

A girl who loves one man purely has about her an amulet which defies the advances of the profligate.

From Project Gutenberg

She plucked an amulet from her neck, gazing on it for an instant ere she laid it softly, tenderly, in the dead man's breast.

From Project Gutenberg

In Aristotle's time, rue hung about the neck as an amulet prevented witchcraft.

From Project Gutenberg

When the girl heard that her spouse had been killed she took a piece of his skin and wore it as an amulet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ornament
• talisman