anthropomorphism

[ an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. an anthropomorphic conception or representation, as of a deity.

anthropomorphism

/ ˌænθrəpəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. the attribution of human form or behaviour to a deity, animal, etc

anthropomorphism

1. The attributing of human characteristics and purposes to inanimate objects, animals, plants, or other natural phenomena, or to God. To describe a rushing river as “angry” is to anthropomorphize it.

Derived Forms

• ˌanthropoˈmorphist, noun

Other Words From

• anthro·po·morphist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropomorphism¹

First recorded in 1745–55; anthropo- + -morphism

Example Sentences

I'm not a fan of using the anthropomorphism card.

From Salon

My notion of anthropomorphism kept changing as I spent time with him.

From Salon

The fine catalog to “Through Vincent’s Eyes” points to the anthropomorphism of those undulating trees, which seem to dance furiously in the vivid light of a bright blue sky, just outside the hospital’s confines.

From Los Angeles Times

Tech companies are also putting efforts into anthropomorphism — making robots look and move like humans — which, when combined with advanced AI, is making "robot friends" a real possibility.

From Salon

They smack of narcissism, anthropomorphism and wishful thinking.

From Scientific American