talisman

American  

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-] / ˈtæl ɪs mən, -ɪz- /

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.

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talisman British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• talismanic adjective
• talismanical adjective
• talismanically adverb

Etymology

Origin of talisman

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.

Compare meaning

How does talisman compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• amulet vs. talisman

Example Sentences

“I didn’t quite recognize until they were gone how much I had valued what they meant on kind of a talisman level,” Carter says.

From Los Angeles Times

“His relationship with his emperor had become something akin to a talisman to protect himself from criticism, questioning, and political attacks,” Mr. Mauch observes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Earlier this campaign, failure to get there was looking a distinct possibility after a string of poor results, a falling-out with talisman Mohamed Salah and an injury to record signing Alexander Isak.

From BBC

Having only started two games since November before the tournament because of injury, England's talisman is still getting up to speed.

From BBC

But Newcastle are going to have to find a way to win without their talisman as they embark on a crunch run of games, starting with Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa.

From BBC