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

Emerging from a need for an artistic outlet during a time of loss, the totems became symbolic talismans of her own transformation. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2024

The charms are metallic versions of seeds including samara, clover and poppy, but inside the bag is a transparent acrylic drop containing an actual dandelion egret, designed to work like a talisman. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 10 Oct. 2024

But the question England has to ask itself is whether building the team around a talisman in his thirties makes sense. —Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by Louise Bourgeois’ spider sculpture seemingly floating on a lake, standing guard like a talisman, while a giant Damien Hirst anatomical sculpture stands like a sentry at the entrance. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 25 Sep. 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