talisman

American  

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-] / ˈtæl ɪs mən, -ɪz- /

noun

plural

talismans

1. a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.

2. any amulet or charm.

3. anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.

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talisman British  

/ ˈtælɪzmən, ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk /

noun

1. a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences

2. anything thought to have magical or protective powers

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Other Word Forms

• talismanic adjective
• talismanical adjective
• talismanically adverb

Etymology

Origin of talisman

First recorded in 1630–40; from French talisman, Spanish talismán or other Romance language, from Arabic ṭilasm, from Late Greek télesmon “completion, performance, consecrated object,” from Greek télesma “payment, payment to be made, outlay, expense,” a derivative of teleîn “to complete, perform” + -ma noun suffix of result. The final -n in the western Europen languages is unexplained.

Compare meaning

How does talisman compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• amulet vs. talisman

Explanation

A talisman is a charm that is supposed to ward off evil or illness. Your rabbit's foot key chain may be your lucky talisman. Of course, it wasn't so lucky for that rabbit. The word talisman has been around in English since the 1630s and it has roots in both Arabic and Greek words. A talisman is usually worn around the neck but could exist in other forms, like a ring or inscribed stone. You can think of a talisman as a good luck charm, but people tend to take talismans more seriously — as if they are empowered with magic to ward off evil spirits.

Example Sentences

“I didn’t quite recognize until they were gone how much I had valued what they meant on kind of a talisman level,” Carter says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

“His relationship with his emperor had become something akin to a talisman to protect himself from criticism, questioning, and political attacks,” Mr. Mauch observes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

But Newcastle are going to have to find a way to win without their talisman as they embark on a crunch run of games, starting with Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Thursday's trade deadline passed with Antetokounmpo still on Milwaukee's roster, but the Bucks talisman was again unavailable as he continues to recover from a calf strain.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

I was proud to have achieved my B.A., but I also knew that the degree itself was neither a talisman nor a passport to easy success.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela