fetishism

noun

fe·​tish·​ism ˈfe-ti-ˌshi-zəm How to pronounce fetishism (audio)
 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
fetishist
ˈfe-ti-shist How to pronounce fetishism (audio)
 also  ˈfē-
noun
fetishistic adjective
fetishistically adverb

Examples of fetishism in a Sentence

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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetishism was in 1777

Dictionary Entries Near fetishism

Cite this Entry

“Fetishism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetishism. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

fetishism

noun
fe·​tish·​ism
variants also fetichism
: the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish
fetishistic adjective
fetishistically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fetishism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!