fetish

American  

[fet-ish, fee-tish] / ˈfɛt ɪʃ, ˈfi tɪʃ /

Sometimes fetich

noun

1. 1. any object, part of the body, or activity that is ordinarily regarded as nonsexual and causes a habitual erotic response or fixation.

   2. a habitual erotic response to or fixation on an object, part of the body, or activity ordinarily regarded as nonsexual.

   3. unconventional sexual practices involving an object, part of the body, or activity ordinarily regarded as nonsexual, considered collectively.

2. Anthropology. an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency.

   Synonyms:

   amulet, talisman

3. any object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect, or devotion.

   We shouldn't make a fetish of high grades, as there are other ways of measuring success.

   It's no secret that the previous administration had a fetish for secrecy.

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fetish British  

/ ˈfɛtɪʃ, ˈfiːtɪʃ /

noun

1. something, esp an inanimate object, that is believed in certain cultures to be the embodiment or habitation of a spirit or magical powers

2. 1. a form of behaviour involving fetishism

   2. any object that is involved in fetishism

3. any object, activity, etc, to which one is excessively or irrationally devoted

   to make a fetish of cleanliness

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fetish Cultural  

1. 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.)

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Usage

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.

Discover More

Figuratively, a “fetish” is any object that arouses excessive devotion: “Lucille made a fetish of her Porsche.”

Other Word Forms

• fetish-like adjective
• fetishlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of fetish

First recorded in 1605–15; earlier fateish, from Portuguese feitiço “charm, sorcery” (noun), “artificial” (adjective), from Latin factīcius factitious; replacing fatisso, fetisso, from Portuguese, as above

Example Sentences

Former President Lazarus Chakwera insists the canines, trained to detect weapons, black-magic fetishes and other potential threats, are key members of his security detail.

From The Wall Street Journal

We must all reexamine our beliefs in a critical and dispassionate spirit to determine whether we are apprehending reality or clinging to mental fetishes.

From Salon

Twins were believed to be the result of fetishes.

From New York Times

Someone watching “Lynch/Oz” isn’t likely to need reminding that the history of movies is a history of other movies, or that lots of directors have thematic and visual fetishes.

From Los Angeles Times

With great subversiveness, Portis consistently abjured America’s postwar fetishes for progress, social mobility and affluence.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• predilection
• proclivity