shamanism

[ shah-muh-niz-uhm, shey-, sham-uh- ]

noun

1. the animistic religion of northern Asia, embracing a belief in powerful spirits that can be influenced only by shamans.
2. any similar religion.

shamanism

/ ˈʃæməˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the religion of certain peoples of northern Asia, based on the belief that the world is pervaded by good and evil spirits who can be influenced or controlled only by the shamans
2. any similar religion involving forms of spiritualism

Derived Forms

• ˈshamanist, nounadjective
• ˌshamanˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• shaman·ist noun adjective
• shaman·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shamanism¹

First recorded in 1770–80; shaman + -ism

Example Sentences

The unusually public and hostile feud — which has included allegations of plagiarism, chart rigging and shamanism — has led to hundreds of millions of dollars being wiped off Hybe’s market value.

From New York Times

A different bookstore offered volumes on religious topics, such as American Indian shamanism, Christianity and the history of Tibet.

From New York Times

Wagner then introduced a second tier, labeled “occult-level spiritual warfare,” wherein he identified what he believed to be demonic influences in occult practices, including New Age rituals, yoga, sorcery, satanism, and shamanism.

From Salon

The practice is linked to a sect of esoteric Japanese Buddhism called Shugendo, which has its roots in ancient mysticism, shamanism, and mountain worship.

From National Geographic

Even today, the place is visited by practitioners of shamanism, who organise drumming sessions in the cave.

From Science Daily