shamanism

American  

[shah-muh-niz-uhm, shey-, sham-uh-] / ˈʃɑ məˌnɪz əm, ˈʃeɪ-, ˈʃæm ə- /

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.

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shamanism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• shamanist noun
• shamanistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of shamanism

First recorded in 1770–80; shaman + -ism

Example Sentences

Vishnevsky became fascinated by fly agaric through the accounts of explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries witnessing mushroom rituals and shamanism in Siberia.

From Salon

The unusually public and hostile feud — which has included allegations of plagiarism, chart rigging and shamanism — has led to hundreds of millions of dollars being wiped off Hybe’s market value.

From New York Times

A different bookstore offered volumes on religious topics, such as American Indian shamanism, Christianity and the history of Tibet.

From New York Times

The practice is linked to a sect of esoteric Japanese Buddhism called Shugendo, which has its roots in ancient mysticism, shamanism, and mountain worship.

From National Geographic

Even today, the place is visited by practitioners of shamanism, who organise drumming sessions in the cave.

From Science Daily