anthropomorphism

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uh m ]
/ ˌæn θrə pəˈmɔr fɪz əm /

noun

an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

Origin of anthropomorphism

First recorded in 1745–55; anthropo- + -morphism

OTHER WORDS FROM anthropomorphism

an·thro·po·mor·phist, noun

Words nearby anthropomorphism

anthropology, anthropometer, anthropometrics, anthropometry, anthropomorphic, anthropomorphism, anthropomorphize, anthropomorphosis, anthropomorphous, anthroponomy, anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis

Example sentences from the Web for anthropomorphism

British Dictionary definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism
/ (ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm) /

noun

the attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc

Derived forms of anthropomorphism

anthropomorphist, noun

Medical definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism
[ ăn′thrə-pə-môr′fĭz′əm ]

n.

The attribution of human motivation, characteristics, or behavior to nonhuman organisms or inanimate objects.

Other words from anthropomorphism

an′thro•po•mor′phic adj. an′thro•po•mor′phi•cal•ly adv.

Cultural definitions for anthropomorphism

anthropomorphism
[ (an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm) ]

The attributing of human characteristics and purposes to inanimate objects, animals, plants, or other natural phenomena, or to God. To describe a rushing river as “angry” is to anthropomorphize it.