Hermeticism

[ hur-met-uh-siz-uhm ]

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. the body of ideas set forth in Hermetic writings.
2. adherence to the ideas expressed in Hermetic writings.
3. the occult sciences, especially alchemy.

Other Words From

• Her·meti·cist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hermeticism¹

First recorded in 1890–95; hermetic + -ism

Example Sentences

Indeed, Christians often confuse hermeticism with Satanism.

From Salon

This can be attributed in part to the very nature of distance running, which – like gymnastics, swimming and diving – can engender hermeticism.

From The Guardian

While Erik af Klint had been close to his aunt, he knew nothing of her work or spiritual ideas, which Johan says included theosophy, Rosicrucianism, hermeticism and an esoteric strain of Christianity.

From New York Times

On the other hand, the hermeticism of the action in “Parabellum” is what lends it an uncanny paranoiac frisson.

From The New Yorker

Durant is the most self-conscious star in the league, and he inhabits that particular space with ascetic hermeticism.

From Slate

Related Words

• hermetics
• theurgy