talisman

[ tal-is-muhn, -iz- ]

noun

, plural tal·is·mans.

1. a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.
2. any amulet or charm.
3. anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.

talisman

/ ˈtælɪzmən; ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk /

noun

1. a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences
2. anything thought to have magical or protective powers

Derived Forms

• talismanic, adjective

Other Words From

• tal·is·man·ic [tal-is-, man, -ik, -iz-], talis·mani·cal adjective
• talis·mani·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of talisman¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French talisman, Spanish talismán or other Romance language, from Arabic ṭilasm, from Late Greek télesmon “completion, performance, consecrated object,” from Greek télesma “payment, payment to be made, outlay, expense,” a derivative of teleîn “to complete, perform” + -ma noun suffix of result. The final -n in the western Europen languages is unexplained.

Word History and Origins

Origin of talisman¹

C17: via French or Spanish from Arabic tilsam, from Medieval Greek telesma ritual, from Greek: consecration, from telein to perform a rite, complete, from telos end, result

Example Sentences

Schultz adds another sort of meaning by incorporating talismans of historical locations.

From Washington Post

Now the 24-year-old could be the latest talisman for Brazil’s famed samba style of soccer, and is poised to make the Copa América his own.

From Ozy

Many served as talismans for female fans in a sexist society.

From Time

These and other aesthetic talismans on display at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery have been seen in various galleries and museums around the area in recent years.

From Washington Post

It doesn’t take long to figure out that the fastest way to maneuver is to shoot at talismans that float in the air, adding to the Hunter’s dash meter.

From Washington Post

The “it” bag was born–a talisman of stylishness and a signifier of insider savvy.

From The Daily Beast

He has become an important talisman either of something very good or very bad.

From The Daily Beast

We are spared, thankfully, the standard liberal talisman of his saunter across the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

From The Daily Beast

She kept a copy of The Ambassadors as a talisman on her writing desk when she was working for seven years on her novel Trust.

From The Daily Beast

Lucky ones might take home something that was touched by the artist; a talisman.

From The Daily Beast

The words were a talisman on the benumbed faculties of Louis; he hastened forward, and threw himself into the carriage.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a wonderful talisman, secreted—I fancied in the dream—by the goddess of the Social Revolution.

From Project Gutenberg

The heart of Musa was sprung from the East; the word "fate" was a deadly talisman to him, as to all his race.

From Project Gutenberg

That Arabic word, picked up at hazard from the dragoman, has acted like a talisman—the pest has actually gone!

From Project Gutenberg

In Celtic myth the Silver Bough played a less sinister part, and figures as a fairy talisman to music and delight.

From Project Gutenberg