mysticism

[mis-tuh-siz-uhm]

noun

1. the beliefs, ideas, or mode of thought of mystics.

2. a doctrine of an immediate spiritual intuition of truths believed to transcend ordinary understanding, or of a direct, intimate union of the soul with God through contemplation or ecstasy.

3. obscure thought or speculation.

mysticism

/ ˈmɪstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. belief in or experience of a reality surpassing normal human understanding or experience, esp a reality perceived as essential to the nature of life

2. a system of contemplative prayer and spirituality aimed at achieving direct intuitive experience of the divine

3. obscure or confused belief or thought

mysticism

1. In religion, the attempt by an individual to achieve a personal union with God or with some other divine being or principle. Mystics generally practice daily meditation.

Other Word Forms

• antimysticism noun
• nonmysticism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mysticism¹

First recorded in 1730–40; mystic + -ism

Example Sentences

Among Freedom Advances’ 151 hopefuls are a former Playboy model, an ex-member of the leftist party that long ruled Argentina and an influencer famous for talking about politics and mysticism on social media.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Set at Chiddinglye Estate, a 15th-century farm in West Sussex, England, the three-day event includes fungus-focused art installations, lectures and gastronomy; educational walks; and lots of music, mysticism and science—sometimes all three at once.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s intimate drama laced with mysticism, an adult theme ultimately handled with a hint of levity for this family-friendly show.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jones, who has lost both parents in the last six years, says she’s also been reading books about Celtic mysticism, sorrow and connecting to nature.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He described himself as a "spiritual nomad", exploring paths through yoga, Buddhism, and Christian mysticism, and learned from the Dalai Lama - whom he gifted a tartan-pouched hair clipper in 1988.

Read more on BBC