animism

American  

[an-uh-miz-uhm] / ˈæn əˌmɪz əm /

noun

1. the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls.

2. the belief that natural objects have souls that may exist apart from their material bodies.

3. the doctrine that the soul is the principle of life and health.

4. belief in spiritual beings or agencies.

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animism British  

/ ˈænɪˌmɪzəm, ˌænɪˈmɪstɪk /

noun

1. the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself have desires and intentions

2. (in the philosophies of Plato and Pythagoras) the hypothesis that there is an immaterial force that animates the universe

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animism ¹ Cultural  

1. The belief that natural objects such as rivers and rocks possess a soul or spirit. Anima is the Latin word for “soul” or “spirit.” (See voodoo.)

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animism ² Cultural  

1. The belief, common among so-called primitive people, that objects and natural phenomena, such as rivers, rocks, and wind, are alive and have feelings and intentions. Animistic beliefs form the basis of many cults. (See also fetish and totemism.)

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Other Word Forms

• animist
  adjective
• animist
  noun
• animistic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of animism

First recorded in 1825–35; anim(a) + -ism

Explanation

Animism is the doctrine that every natural thing in the universe has a soul. If you believe in animism, you believe that ostriches, cactuses, mountains, and thunder are all spiritual beings. Animism comes from the Latin word anima, meaning life, or soul. People often think of "primitive" beliefs when they think of animism, but you'll find the belief in the spiritual life of natural objects in all major religions. If you have ever felt that a star is more profound than a cluster of hot rock or gas a long way away, then you have a sense of what animism is.

Example Sentences

Animism, the attribution of a soul to natural phenomena, is central to Shinto religion; also evoked is a chilling intimation of impending doom.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2018

Her previous album Animism won Canada’s annual Polaris album of the year prize, and the new one includes a sort-of single called “Centre” featuring the rapper Shad.

From Slate • Dec. 27, 2016

Animism includes a frightening track called Fracking, and Tagaq is quick to point out that the government wants to start seismic testing in Pond Inlet.

From The Guardian • May 17, 2015

Animism is the belief that spirits living in animals, plants, and natural forces play an important role in daily life.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

Hugo, Victor, 188, 189, 216, 229; Animism in, 189.

From Essay on the Creative Imagination by Baron, Albert Heyem Nachmen