talisman

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-]

noun

plural

talismans 

1. a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.

2. any amulet or charm.

3. anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.

talisman

/ ˈtælɪzmən, ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk /

noun

1. a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences

2. anything thought to have magical or protective powers

Other Word Forms

• talismanic adjective
• talismanical adjective
• talismanically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of talisman¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French talisman, Spanish talismán or other Romance language, from Arabic ṭilasm, from Late Greek télesmon “completion, performance, consecrated object,” from Greek télesma “payment, payment to be made, outlay, expense,” a derivative of teleîn “to complete, perform” + -ma noun suffix of result. The final -n in the western Europen languages is unexplained.

Word History and Origins

Origin of talisman¹

C17: via French or Spanish from Arabic tilsam, from Medieval Greek telesma ritual, from Greek: consecration, from telein to perform a rite, complete, from telos end, result

Example Sentences

To have that in your squad especially when you've got a young squad, and everyone believes in him, he's a talisman.

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Proposition 50 has become a test of party muscle and a talisman of partisan faith and California has a lot more Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents than Republicans and GOP-leaning independents.

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While Brook has made an impressive start to his reign, the return of England's talisman will bring a lift to any that need it.

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"He is their talisman and he creates that extra bit of energy in the stadium by winding the fans up. It's a big, big goal for Newcastle."

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Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool's talisman for the past eight seasons.

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