anthropomorphism

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

/ ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr fɪz əm /

Save This Word!

Definition of anthropomorphism

noun

an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of anthropomorphism

First recorded in 1745–55; anthropo- + -morphism

OTHER WORDS FROM anthropomorphism

an·thro·po·mor·phist, noun

Words nearby anthropomorphism

anthropometer, anthropometric, anthropometrics, anthropometry, anthropomorphic, anthropomorphism, anthropomorphize, anthropomorphosis, anthropomorphous, anthroponomy, anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use anthropomorphism in a sentence

Directed by Drew Xanthopoulos, Fathom portrays humpbacks and other whales as complex, highly social beings without overstated anthropomorphism.
‘Fathom’ seeks to unravel humpback whales’ soulful songs|Jake Buehler|June 22, 2021|Science News
In anthropomorphism there are many errors, but there is one truth.
Theism or Atheism|Chapman Cohen
Its anthropomorphism is only, to unobservant minds, less apparent.
Theism or Atheism|Chapman Cohen
In contrast with these childish pieces of anthropomorphism, we have the famous and sublime speculations of an often-quoted hymn.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1|Andrew Lang

Having disposed of crude anthropomorphism we must now take up the problem of attributes, which endangers the unity.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik
The barbarian culture shows sportsmanship, status, and anthropomorphism.
The Theory of the Leisure Class|Thorstein Veblen

British Dictionary definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

/ (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm) /

noun

the attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc

Derived forms of anthropomorphism

anthropomorphist, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

[ ăn′thrə-pə-môr′fĭz′əm ]

The attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to nonhuman organisms or inanimate objects.

Other words from anthropomorphism

an′thro•po•mor′phic adj.an′thro•po•mor′phi•cal•ly adv.

Cultural definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

[ (an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm) ]

The attributing of human characteristics and purposes to inanimate objects, animals, plants, or other natural phenomena, or to God. To describe a rushing river as “angry” is to anthropomorphize it.