amulet

[ am-yuh-lit ]

noun

1. a small object worn to ward off evil, harm, or illness or to bring good fortune; a protective charm.

   Synonyms: talisman, good luck charm

amulet

/ ˈæmjʊlɪt /

noun

1. a trinket or piece of jewellery worn as a protection against evil; charm

Word History and Origins

Origin of amulet¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; either from Middle French amulete or directly from Latin amulētum

Word History and Origins

Origin of amulet¹

C17: from Latin amulētum, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Mr Beer said sometimes this involved the use of amulets known as “taweez”, which can contain written verses of the Koran and can be worn around the neck.

From BBC

The things they carried — amulets that hadn’t worked, kids’ drawings, family photos, letters of love and despair — would be collected and cataloged.

From Seattle Times

These archaeological digs have also turned up some 800,000 everyday objects including china, toys, and even amulets suggesting a connection to West African tribal religions and traditions.

From Literature

Tom quickly learns that his granny is the guardian of the Phoenix, a powerful amulet which, in the right hands, maintains the good in the universe, but in the wrong hands will destroy humanity.

From New York Times

Some people were buried with personal ornaments - bangles, beads, amulets - which could not be passed on to others.

From BBC

Related Words

• ornament
• talisman