anthropomorphism

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

/ ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr fɪz əm /

noun

an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

Nearby words

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

Origin of anthropomorphism

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

Related forms

an·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

But what—after all—does "Anthropomorphism" mean in this connexion?
The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer|John Gerard
The charge of anthropomorphism thus falls to the ground, because it would prove too much.
Browning as a Philosophical and Religious Teacher|Henry Jones
Anthropomorphism was common there as elsewhere among early religionists.
Oriental Women|Edward Bagby Pollard
The anthropomorphism of the Jewish Scriptures has already been referred to in Vol.
Ancient Faiths And Modern|Thomas Inman

And apparently the Bible countenanced their anthropomorphism.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy|Isaac Husik

British Dictionary definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

/ (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm) /

noun

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

Derived Forms

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

Medicine definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism

[ ăn′thrə-pə-môr′fĭz′əm ]

n.

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

Related forms

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

Culture 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.