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

From the 27 points on offer, Newcastle have claimed just five without their talisman.

From BBC

"If you look at the first goal, Bowen creates it from out wide, where he can create as well as score goals. He was the talisman today."

From BBC

With trips to Marseille and Bournemouth coming up over the next week, there is little doubt that having their talisman back can only be a positive for Liverpool.

From BBC

But with his age, and long-term future at Liverpool unclear after a public outburst at Elland Road last month, it could be the last time Salah features in the competition as a Premier League talisman.

From BBC

He's Villa's talisman, capable of producing a goal from half a yard of space in the box.

From BBC