mantra
or man·tram
[man-truh, mahn-, muhn-]
- Hinduism. a word or formula, as from the Veda, chanted or sung as an incantation or prayer.
- an often repeated word, formula, or phrase, often a truism: If I hear the “less is more” mantra one more time, I'll scream.
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Origin of mantra
Borrowed into English from Sanskrit around 1800–10
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
hymnshoutmelodysingingtunemantraliltsongwarbleincantationpsalmintonationcrooncaroltrillExamples from the Web for mantra
Contemporary Examples
The GOP should embrace the work ethic as its mantra, and this time act like they mean it.
The mantra in Washington is to “manage” differences with Beijing and find areas of cooperation.
Sony Blames North Korea for Hacking, but Washington Left Them Completely VulnerableGordon G. Chang
December 3, 2014
The Krishna Movement stresses continual silent chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra in order to keep the mind focused on God.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and MoreGary Wright
September 29, 2014
Memorize and spread this mantra: The War on Drugs Is What Makes Thugs.
This mantra of the hi-tech revolution has brought fundamental change to virtually every area of American life except one—politics.
Historical Examples
A spell or mantra must have accompanied the tying, but this I was not privileged to learn.
Beast and Man in IndiaJohn Lockwood Kipling
Occasionally a mantra is infused with high religious fervour.
Indian Myth and LegendDonald Alexander Mackenzie
He repeated a mantra automatically, for his thoughts were elsewhere.
Caravans By NightHarry Hervey
Hence it is called the Mantra Sdhan, to distinguish it from other sorts of Sdhans.
Phallic MiscellaniesHargrave Jennings
But how shall I know that the mantra which I have learned is equally efficacious?
Folk-Tales of BengalLal Behari Day
mantra
- Hinduism any of those parts of the Vedic literature which consist of the metrical psalms of praise
- Hinduism Buddhism any sacred word or syllable used as an object of concentration and embodying some aspect of spiritual power
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Word Origin
C19: from Sanskrit, literally: speech, instrument of thought, from man to think
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for mantra
n.
1808, "that part of the Vedas which contains hymns," from Sanskrit mantra-s "sacred message or text, charm, spell, counsel," literally "instrument of thought," related to manyate "thinks," from PIE root *men- "to think" (see mind (n.)). Sense of "special word used for meditation" is first recorded in English 1956.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper