anthropomorphism

[an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uh m]

noun

an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

Origin of anthropomorphism

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

Related formsan·thro·po·mor·phist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for anthropomorphism

Historical Examples of anthropomorphism

To the Intermediatist, the accusation of "anthropomorphism" is meaningless.
The Book of the Damned
Charles Fort
And apparently the Bible countenanced their anthropomorphism.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy
Isaac Husik
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
If thy predicates are anthropomorphisms, the subject of them is an anthropomorphism too.
The Essence of Christianity
Ludwig Feuerbach

British Dictionary definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

noun

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

Derived Formsanthropomorphist, 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

Word Origin and History for anthropomorphism

1753, "attributing of human qualities to a deity;" see anthropomorphic + -ism. Of other non-human things, from 1858. Related: Anthropomorphist (1610s).

anthropomorphism in Medicine

anthropomorphism

[ăn′thrə-pə-môr′fĭz′əm]

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

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

anthropomorphism in Culture

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.