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

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

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024

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 • Jan. 19, 2024

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

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2023

Xiong Lee’s path to shamanism has been arduous, entailing rigorous training with a shaman mentor to learn how to communicate with the spirit world.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2023

The superstitions and beliefs of shamanism linger, indeed, under a theistic religion, and the polytheism of Babylonia was no exception to the rule.

From The Religions of Ancient Egypt and Babylonia by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)