talisman

noun

tal·​is·​man ˈta-ləs-mən 

-ləz-

plural talismans

1

: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune

2

: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects

talismanic

ˌta-ləs-ˈma-nik 

-ləz-

adjective

talismanically

ˌta-ləs-ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē 

-ləz-

adverb

Did you know?

The English language may have borrowed talisman from French, Spanish, or Italian; all three include similar-looking words for a lucky charm that derive from an Arabic word for a charm, ṭilsam. Ṭilsam traces to ancient Greek telein, which means "to initiate into the mysteries."

Synonyms

• amulet
• charm
• fetish
• fetich
• mascot
• mojo
• periapt
• phylactery

Examples of talisman in a Sentence

a pendant of white nephrite jade is often worn by Indians as a talisman to ward off heart disease

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet after playing a starring role in the Reds' impressive 2-3 win over Bournemouth, the Egyptian talisman made a very blunt statement regarding his contract situation. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024

Superstar David Beckham, talisman Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane at his boyhood club, etc? —Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024

Amulets and talismans have been used for 60,000 years. —Lyndi McNulty, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2024

Argentina didn’t excel in either encounter, at times talisman Lionel Messi looked lost and frustrated and the team in general performed under par. —Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

talisman

noun

tal·​is·​man ˈtal-ə-smən 

-əz-mən

plural talismans

: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm