charisma

[ kuh-riz-muh ]
/ kəˈrɪz mə /

noun, plural cha·ris·ma·ta [kuh-riz-muh-tuh] /kəˈrɪz mə tə/.

Theology. a divinely conferred gift or power.
a spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people.
the special virtue of an office, function, position, etc., that confers or is thought to confer on the person holding it an unusual ability for leadership, worthiness of veneration, or the like.
Also char·ism [kar-iz-uhm] /ˈkær ɪz əm/.

Origin of charisma

1635–45; < Late Latin < Greek, equivalent to char- (base of cháris favor, charízesthai to favor; akin to yearn, exhort) + -isma -ism

SYNONYMS FOR charisma

2 charm, magnetism, presence.

Words nearby charisma

chariness, charing cross, chariot, charioteer, charis, charisma, charismatic, charismatic movement, charismatize, charitable, charitable trust

British Dictionary definitions for charism

charisma

charism (ˈkærɪzəm)

/ (kəˈrɪzmə) /

noun

a special personal quality or power of an individual making him capable of influencing or inspiring large numbers of people
a quality inherent in a thing which inspires great enthusiasm and devotion
Christianity a divinely bestowed power or talent

Derived forms of charisma

charismatic (ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk), adjective

Word Origin for charisma

C17: from Church Latin, from Greek kharisma, from kharis grace, favour

Cultural definitions for charism

charisma
[ (kuh-riz-muh) ]

Extraordinary power and appeal of personality; natural ability to inspire a large following.

notes for charisma

Political leaders such as John F. Kennedy, religious leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., and entertainment figures such as Greta Garbo have all been described as charismatic.