animism

American  

[an-uh-miz-uhm] / ˈæn əˌmɪz əm /

noun

1. the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls.

2. the belief that natural objects have souls that may exist apart from their material bodies.

3. the doctrine that the soul is the principle of life and health.

4. belief in spiritual beings or agencies.

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animism British  

/ ˈænɪˌmɪzəm, ˌænɪˈmɪstɪk /

noun

1. the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself have desires and intentions

2. (in the philosophies of Plato and Pythagoras) the hypothesis that there is an immaterial force that animates the universe

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animism ¹ Cultural  

1. The belief that natural objects such as rivers and rocks possess a soul or spirit. Anima is the Latin word for “soul” or “spirit.” (See voodoo.)

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animism ² Cultural  

1. The belief, common among so-called primitive people, that objects and natural phenomena, such as rivers, rocks, and wind, are alive and have feelings and intentions. Animistic beliefs form the basis of many cults. (See also fetish and totemism.)

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Other Word Forms

• animist adjective
• animistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of animism

First recorded in 1825–35; anim(a) + -ism

Example Sentences

Japan’s Indigenous religion of Shinto is largely rooted in animism, which believes there are thousands of “kami,” or spirits, inhabiting nature.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

Their art addresses historical legacies and acts of resistance, resiliency and radical imagination within the context of Indigenous Futurism, spirituality, play, pedagogy, animism and queer aesthetics.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 17, 2022

Tempels rejected the characterization of African philosophy and theology as consisting of magic, animism, and ancestor worship, instead exploring the richness of Bantu thought pertaining to individuals, society, and the divine.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

As an anthropologist, Martin had spent her career learning about animism, the belief that the world is imbued with spiritual forces beyond human intention.

From New York Times • Nov. 24, 2021

The Methodism preached by Reverend Matyolo was of the fire-and-brimstone variety, seasoned with a bit of African animism.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela