mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)

3

a

: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis

b

: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

Examples of mysticism in a Sentence

Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mysticism.

a student of Eastern mysticism

Recent Examples on the Web

She is known for work across fields including sculpture, drawing, video, and photography that mingles Creole mythology, oral traditions, mysticism, and pop culture to address themes such as catastrophe, colonialism, and the exploitation of natural resources. —News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2024

Combining social drama and mysticism, the film offers a rare cinematic vision of rural life in the mountainous landlocked country, which counts Afghanistan and China among its neighbors. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2024

Islamic rugs and French carvings and Scholastic learnings flowed in, leaving behind a style of decorative excess and frank mysticism. —Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2024

Many practices of reading and scriptural hermeneutics associated with mysticism arose within the context of medieval Christianity, particularly monasticism. —Simon Critchley, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communication with God

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God or of spiritual truth can be achieved through deep meditation