talisman

[ tal-is-muhn, -iz- ]

/ ˈtæl ɪs mən, -ɪz- /

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See synonyms for: talisman / talismanic on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural tal·is·mans.

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

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.

OTHER WORDS FROM talisman

tal·is·man·ic

[tal-is-man-ik, -iz-], /ˌtæl ɪsˈmæn ɪk, -ɪz-/, tal·is·man·i·cal, adjectivetal·is·man·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use talisman in a sentence

Cheney mentions the 9/11 attacks again and again, although ten years later, the talismanic effect has largely worn off.
Cheney's Love Letter to Himself|Paul Begala|September 7, 2011|DAILY BEAST
On the Riviera, skimpy briefs are not only standard-issue, they have a totally unironic talismanic status.
Ban the Speedo!|Sean Macaulay|October 5, 2009|DAILY BEAST
As in the case of the Joan of Arc episode (and this adds to its marvel), it was the wind that brought the talismanic gift.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete|Albert Bigelow Paine
Rich and beautiful in all their former ruby colour—but there is a fearful talismanic power in their beauty.
The Cavaliers of Virginia|William A. Caruthers

It is well known that, during the middle ages, many and various objects were supposed to possess talismanic virtues.
Notes & Queries 1849.12.15|Various
The talismanic touch of gold struck instant peace, and a compact of amity followed.
The Heroine|Eaton Stannard Barrett
Somewhat similar talismanic power attached to the down from the young antler of the deer when properly consecrated.
Myths of the Cherokee|James Mooney

British Dictionary definitions for talisman

talisman

/ (ˈtælɪzmən) /

noun plural -mans

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

Derived forms of talisman

talismanic (ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk), adjective

Word Origin for talisman

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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

talisman

Origin of talisman

OTHER WORDS FROM talisman

Words related to talisman

How to use talisman in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for talisman

Derived forms of talisman

Word Origin for talisman