shaman

[ shah-muhn, shey-, sham-uhn ]

noun

1. (especially among certain tribal peoples) a person who acts as intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, using magic to cure illness, foretell the future, control spiritual forces, etc.

shaman

/ ʃəˈmænɪk; ˈʃæmən /

noun

1. a priest of shamanism
2. a medicine man of a similar religion, esp among certain tribes of North American Indians

Derived Forms

• shamanic, adjective

Other Words From

• sha·man·ic [sh, uh, -, man, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shaman¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from German Schamane, from Russian shamán, probably from Evenki šamān, samān or another Tungusic language, perhaps ultimately via an intermediary such as Tocharian B from Sanskrit śramaṇá- “ascetic, monk”

Word History and Origins

Origin of shaman¹

C17: from Russian shaman, from Tungusian ̆saman, from Pali samana Buddhist monk, ultimately from Sanskrit śrama religious exercise

Example Sentences

It gives Crystal one of his rare openings for a laugh line, “Say hi to your shaman, wish him a happy 1969 for me.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Verrett has said he is the latest in six generations of shamans and once said he died for four minutes and 25 seconds.

From BBC

Meanwhile, Mr Verrett says on his site that he is a sixth generation shaman, “servant of god and energy activator” who “demystifies spirituality” through his “no-nonsense teachings”.

From BBC

A shaman from the Inland Empire known as “Koyote the Blind” is due in court next week to face felony sex charges, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

From Los Angeles Times

This month, an exhibition of peyote paintings will donate proceeds to the Wixárika tribe of northwestern Mexico, California, Arizona and Texas — Indigenous people whose shamans famously guide people through spiritual peyote ceremonies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• healer