talisman
[tal-is-muh n, -iz-]
- a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.
- any amulet or charm.
- anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.
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Origin of talisman
1630–40; < French or Spanish ≪ Arabic ṭilasm < Greek télesma payment, equivalent to teles- (variant stem of teleîn to complete, perform) + -ma noun suffix of result
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
bewitchedcharismaticclairvoyantdiaboliceerieenchantedenchantingentrancingextraordinaryfascinatingfeyfiendishghostlyhauntedimaginarymagicalmagneticmarvelousmiraculousmysteriousExamples from the Web for talismanic
Contemporary Examples
Cheney mentions the 9/11 attacks again and again, although ten years later, the talismanic effect has largely worn off.
Historical Examples
The word was talismanic to Dalton, connected, as it was, in his mind with but one subject.
The Daltons, Volume I (of II)Charles James Lever
Hernando's tongue and the talismanic name of Drake did the rest.
Sea-Dogs All!Tom Bevan
They are ancient, and were perhaps used as talismanic copies of Nehushtan.
The Expositor's BibleF. W. Farrar
Several pillars were tried before the talismanic one was discovered.
The Captain of the JanizariesJames M. Ludlow
It is set all round with precious stones of talismanic virtues.
Finger-Ring LoreWilliam Jones
talisman
- a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences
- anything thought to have magical or protective powers
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Word Origin
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for talismanic
talisman
n.
1630s, from French talisman, in part via Arabic tilsam (plural tilsaman), a Greek loan-word; in part directly from Byzantine Greek telesma "talisman, religious rite, payment," earlier "consecration, ceremony," originally "completion," from telein "perform (religious rites), pay (tax), fulfill," from telos "completion, end, tax" (see tele-).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper