mysticism

[ mis-tuh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. the beliefs, ideas, or mode of thought of mystics.
2. a doctrine of an immediate spiritual intuition of truths believed to transcend ordinary understanding, or of a direct, intimate union of the soul with God through contemplation or ecstasy.
3. obscure thought or speculation.

mysticism

/ ˈmɪstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. belief in or experience of a reality surpassing normal human understanding or experience, esp a reality perceived as essential to the nature of life
2. a system of contemplative prayer and spirituality aimed at achieving direct intuitive experience of the divine
3. obscure or confused belief or thought

mysticism

1. In religion, the attempt by an individual to achieve a personal union with God or with some other divine being or principle. Mystics generally practice daily meditation.

Other Words From

• anti·mysti·cism noun
• non·mysti·cism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mysticism¹

First recorded in 1730–40; mystic + -ism

Example Sentences

As a member of the press looking to do my due diligence to journalism AND mysticism, I requested the Taco Bell amethyst ten days ago and it still has not arrived for me to see how balancing it is for myself.

From Eater

For those of us whose neighbors do not study dreams, it’s not surprising that such episodes can inspire a sense of wonder verging on mysticism.

From Washington Post

Following this toe-dip back into mysticism, the Johns Hopkins group continued to investigate the links among psychedelics, spiritual episodes, and quality of life.

From Popular-Science

Darwin was among the many scientists that have helped society evolve out of mysticism, superstition and faith.

From The Daily Beast

This coming from someone who has studied mysticism and went on a manifestation yoga retreat.

From The Daily Beast

“Sexxx Dreams” has all the come-hither appeal of a sultry Janet Jackson track without any of the erotic mysticism.

From The Daily Beast

Or of the Zohar, the foundational work of Jewish mysticism, which was written in Spain.

From The Daily Beast

But beyond that, it also has an aura about it, a mysticism of exclusiveness, that makes it rather forbidding.

From The Daily Beast

She lived near Warm Springs when she wrote the last six books, and she utilized the style of mysticism in these works.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence he gives the impression of insincerity, of trifling with grave subjects and of using mysticism as a mask for frivolity.

From Project Gutenberg

He visited Paris in 1867 and the story of his travels in Russia later are full of charm, of folk lore and religious mysticism.

From Project Gutenberg

It was mysticism; it was magic; it was foolish superstition.

From Project Gutenberg

It is Mysticism, all taken out of William Law, after he had lost his senses, poor man!

From Project Gutenberg