fetish

[ fet-ish, occasionally, fee-tish ]

noun

1. 1. any object, part of the body, or activity that is ordinarily regarded as nonsexual and causes a habitual erotic response or fixation.
   2. a habitual erotic response to or fixation on an object, part of the body, or activity ordinarily regarded as nonsexual.
   3. unconventional sexual practices involving an object, part of the body, or activity ordinarily regarded as nonsexual, considered collectively.
2. Anthropology. an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency.

   Synonyms: amulet, talisman

3. any object, idea, etc., eliciting unquestioning reverence, respect, or devotion:

   We shouldn't make a fetish of high grades, as there are other ways of measuring success.

   It's no secret that the previous administration had a fetish for secrecy.

fetish

/ ˈfɛtɪʃ; ˈfiːtɪʃ /

noun

1. something, esp an inanimate object, that is believed in certain cultures to be the embodiment or habitation of a spirit or magical powers
2. 1. a form of behaviour involving fetishism
   2. any object that is involved in fetishism
3. any object, activity, etc, to which one is excessively or irrationally devoted

   to make a fetish of cleanliness

fetish

1. An object believed to carry a magical or spiritual force. Some so-called primitive tribes practice cult worship of fetishes. ( See animism (see also animism ) and totemism .)

Notes

Figuratively, a “fetish” is any object that arouses excessive devotion: “Lucille made a fetish of her Porsche.”

Derived Forms

• ˈfetish-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• fet·ish·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetish¹

First recorded in 1605–15; earlier fateish, from Portuguese feitiço “charm, sorcery” (noun), “artificial” (adjective), from Latin factīcius factitious; replacing fatisso, fetisso, from Portuguese, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetish¹

C17: from French fétiche , from Portuguese feitiço (n) sorcery, from adj: artificial, from Latin factīcius made by art, factitious

Example Sentences

We are running on the energy of farmers’ labor and transmuting it into fetish object, and it feels almost beautiful on set in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

A third woman said she had been driven to addiction by Cox's actions, while another said she had been "violated" as a result of his "sick fetish".

From BBC

The store sold fetish wear and had whips and chains on display.

From Los Angeles Times

After studying songwriting at university, she had a stint as a club DJ, playing at legendary fetish club Torture Garden and London drag event Sink The Pink.

From BBC

Where many streaming mysteries make a fetish of style, depth, sociopolitical relevance and formal novelty, aiming to become conversation starters, the conversation around “Bad Monkey” might run simply like this:

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• predilection
• proclivity

About This Word

What is a fetish?

The word fetish is used in the context of some religions to refer to an object believed to have supernatural power or to contain a spirit, especially an object that has been created, such as a small carving or sculpture.

Practitioners of such religions mayuse fetishes during religious ceremonies or as charms during other activities, such as hunting. They are treated with reverence due to the belief that they contain a spirit or have a special magical power.

Example: The shaman began the ceremony by placing the fetish on the altar. 

Based on this sense, fetish can also be used in a more general way to refer to something that is obsessed over or treated with devotion, as in a fetish for collecting fine wine.

The word fetish is also commonly used to refer to nonsexual things or body parts that cause sexual arousal, as in I have a fetish for glasses. Often, another word is used to specify a person’s sexual fetish, as in foot fetish or food fetish.

Where does fetish come from?

The first records of the word fetish come from the early 1600s. It ultimately comes from the Latin factīcius, meaning “factitious” or “artificial.”

Not all religious objects are referred to as fetishes. This is especially the case for religions whose members do not believe that objects themselves contain spiritual power. In fact, some religions prohibit the use or treatment of objects in this way, referring to such practices as idolatry.

The sexual sense of the word fetish is commonly used in relation to personal sexual preferences and in the context of graphic sexual content. Fetishes thought to be particularly uncommon are sometimes referred to as kinks.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to fetish?

• fetishlike (adjective)
• fetishism (noun)
• fetishize (verb)

What are some synonyms for fetish?

• charm
• obsession
• proclivity
• kink

What are some words that share a root or word element with fetish? 

• fetishism
• fetishize
• factitious

What are some words that often get used in discussing fetish?

• religious
• object
• spirit
• magical
• power
• sexual
• foot

How is fetish used in real life?

The word fetish is most commonly used in a sexual context.

is it a foot fetish if i only like the feet with socks?

— emo(lga) (@kenmasghost) October 21, 2020

What's up with the French maid fetish? Have you ever looked at a French person and went, "I bet that person knows how to clean"

— Jason 🧢 Chen (@diskopo) March 18, 2011

I might have a fetish for tall women and I am not ashamed…

— Schemey (@DJSchemes) September 5, 2019