animism

[ an-uh-miz-uh m ]
/ ˈæn əˌmɪz əm /

noun

the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls.
the belief that natural objects have souls that may exist apart from their material bodies.
the doctrine that the soul is the principle of life and health.
belief in spiritual beings or agencies.

Origin of animism

1825–35; < Latin anim(a) (see anima) + -ism

OTHER WORDS FROM animism

an·i·mist, adjective an·i·mis·tic, adjective

Words nearby animism

animator, animatronic, animatronics, anime, animis opibusque parati, animism, animosity, animus, animé, anion, anion exchange

Example sentences from the Web for animism

British Dictionary definitions for animism

animism
/ (ˈænɪˌmɪzəm) /

noun

the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself have desires and intentions
(in the philosophies of Plato and Pythagoras) the hypothesis that there is an immaterial force that animates the universe

Derived forms of animism

animist, noun animistic (ˌænɪˈmɪstɪk), adjective

Word Origin for animism

C19: from Latin anima vital breath, spirit

Cultural definitions for animism (1 of 2)

animism
[ (an-uh-miz-uhm) ]

The belief that natural objects such as rivers and rocks possess a soul or spirit. Anima is the Latin word for “soul” or “spirit.” (See voodoo.)

Cultural definitions for animism (2 of 2)

animism
[ (an-uh-miz-uhm) ]

The belief, common among so-called primitive people, that objects and natural phenomena, such as rivers, rocks, and wind, are alive and have feelings and intentions. Animistic beliefs form the basis of many cults. (See also fetish and totemism.)