mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce mysticism (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 See all Example Sentences for mysticism 

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of mysticism was in 1724

Dictionary Entries Near mysticism

Cite this Entry

“Mysticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mysticism. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mysticism

noun
mys·​ti·​cism ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce mysticism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mysticism

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