fetishism
noun
fe·tish·ism
ˈfe-ti-ˌshi-zəm 
also ˈfē-
variants
or less commonly fetichism
1
: belief in magical fetishes
2
: extravagant irrational devotion
3
: the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish
Examples of fetishism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The transgressive tingle of such sentences has dulled a little over time; the contemporary reader may find their strident fetishism more than a touch distasteful.
—
Giles Harvey, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024
Tradeshow Expansions Other slightly more seasoned brands offered their respective takes on fetishism.
—Lee Hyo-Won, WWD, 19 Sep. 2024
In anthropology, fetishism refers to the veneration of inanimate objects.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2024
This can be particularly attractive in an era of data fetishism.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fetishism 
Giles Harvey, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024
Tradeshow Expansions Other slightly more seasoned brands offered their respective takes on fetishism.
—Lee Hyo-Won, WWD, 19 Sep. 2024
In anthropology, fetishism refers to the veneration of inanimate objects.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2024
This can be particularly attractive in an era of data fetishism.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fetishism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fetishism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fetishism
Cite this Entry
“Fetishism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetishism. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fetishism
noun
fe·tish·ism
variants
also fetichism
: the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish
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