Definition

A strong and often irrational attachment or devotion to a specific object, idea, or practice, often related to sexual arousal or magical beliefs.

Example

His fascination with vintage shoes turned into a form of fetishism that he couldn't explain.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of fetishism in psychology?

Yeah, it's about having an excessive attachment to certain objects, right?

Exactly! Some people even develop fetishism related to specific materials or clothing.

That’s interesting — it really shows how diverse human attraction can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fetishism is derived from "fetish" (from Portuguese *feitiço*, meaning charm or sorcery) and the suffix "-ism" (meaning a practice or belief). The term refers to the practice or belief in the magical power of objects, often associated with the worship of inanimate objects as having spiritual significance.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'fetish' which comes from the idea of objects having 'magical power' — and '-ism' indicates a practice or belief. This helps you remember that fetishism is the belief in the power of certain objects.

Visually Confused Words