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

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

A tall, strongly built man wearing a maritime labor union T-shirt and an amulet shaped like an Indigenous woman’s headdress, he started the day looking like what he was: A proud Australian dock worker whose family roots preceded British settlement.

From New York Times

When Knott’s Berry Farm debuted its “no-boo” necklace live to hundreds of fans of its annual Halloween event, the amulet proved ineffective for the presenters onstage.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the wearing of the necklace did not “put a damper on the scares” of those not wearing the amulet, a concern of some patrons.

From Los Angeles Times

Among her souvenirs is an earthenware amulet, a four-tier embossed-aluminum lunch box, and a fish-shaped ceramic vodka serving set.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ornament
• talisman