fetish
or fet·ich
Origin of fetish
OTHER WORDS FROM fetish
fet·ish·like, adjectiveWords nearby fetish
ABOUT THIS WORD
What is a fetish?
The word fetish is used in the context of some religions to refer to an object believed to have supernatural power or to contain a spirit, especially an object that has been created, such as a small carving or sculpture.
Practitioners of such religions mayuse fetishes during religious ceremonies or as charms during other activities, such as hunting. They are treated with reverence due to the belief that they contain a spirit or have a special magical power.
Example: The shaman began the ceremony by placing the fetish on the altar.
Based on this sense, fetish can also be used in a more general way to refer to something that is obsessed over or treated with devotion, as in a fetish for collecting fine wine.
The word fetish is also commonly used to refer to nonsexual things or body parts that cause sexual arousal, as in I have a fetish for glasses. Often, another word is used to specify a person’s sexual fetish, as in foot fetish or food fetish.
Where does fetish come from?
The first records of the word fetish come from the early 1600s. It ultimately comes from the Latin factīcius, meaning “factitious” or “artificial.”
Not all religious objects are referred to as fetishes. This is especially the case for religions whose members do not believe that objects themselves contain spiritual power. In fact, some religions prohibit the use or treatment of objects in this way, referring to such practices as idolatry.
The sexual sense of the word fetish is commonly used in relation to personal sexual preferences and in the context of graphic sexual content. Fetishes thought to be particularly uncommon are sometimes referred to as kinks.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to fetish?
What are some synonyms for fetish?
What are some words that share a root or word element with fetish?
What are some words that often get used in discussing fetish?
How is fetish used in real life?
The word fetish is most commonly used in a sexual context.
is it a foot fetish if i only like the feet with socks?
— emo(lga) (@kenmasghost) October 21, 2020
What's up with the French maid fetish? Have you ever looked at a French person and went, "I bet that person knows how to clean"
— Jason 🧢 Chen (@diskopo) March 18, 2011
I might have a fetish for tall women and I am not ashamed…
— Schemey (@DJSchemes) September 5, 2019
How to use fetish in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for fetish
fetich
- a form of behaviour involving fetishism
- any object that is involved in fetishism
Derived forms of fetish
fetish-like or fetich-like, adjectiveWord Origin for fetish
Cultural definitions for fetish
An object believed to carry a magical or spiritual force. Some so-called primitive tribes practice cult worship of fetishes. (See animism (see also animism) and totemism.)