shamanism

[ shah-muh-niz-uhm, shey-, sham-uh- ]

noun

1. the animistic religion of northern Asia, embracing a belief in powerful spirits that can be influenced only by shamans.
2. any similar religion.

shamanism

/ ˈʃæməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the religion of certain peoples of northern Asia, based on the belief that the world is pervaded by good and evil spirits who can be influenced or controlled only by the shamans
2. any similar religion involving forms of spiritualism

Derived Forms

• ˈshamanist, nounadjective
• ˌshamanˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• shaman·ist noun adjective
• shaman·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamanism¹

First recorded in 1770–80; shaman + -ism

Example Sentences

Shamanism is at the present time the popular religion, if indeed there is any that can be so designated.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether we call it fetichism, shamanism, nature worship or heathenism in its myriad forms, it is there in awful reality.

From Project Gutenberg

In its rudest forms, this pantheism branches out into animism or shamanism, fetichism and phallicism.

From Project Gutenberg

All are pagans and indulge in Shamanism, but each tribe has forms of its own.

From Project Gutenberg

The Goldees and Mangoons practice Shamanism in its general features, and have a few customs peculiar to themselves.

From Project Gutenberg