talisman

American  

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-] / ˈtæl ɪs mən, -ɪz- /

noun

plural

talismans

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.

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talisman British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• talismanic adjective
• talismanical adjective
• talismanically adverb

Etymology

Origin of talisman

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.

Compare meaning

How does talisman compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• amulet vs. talisman

Example Sentences

Having only started two games since November before the tournament because of injury, England's talisman is still getting up to speed.

From BBC

But Newcastle are going to have to find a way to win without their talisman as they embark on a crunch run of games, starting with Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa.

From BBC

Thursday's trade deadline passed with Antetokounmpo still on Milwaukee's roster, but the Bucks talisman was again unavailable as he continues to recover from a calf strain.

From Barron's

From the 27 points on offer, Newcastle have claimed just five without their talisman.

From BBC

"If you look at the first goal, Bowen creates it from out wide, where he can create as well as score goals. He was the talisman today."

From BBC