English · Word Candidate

fetish

/ˈfɛt.ɪʃ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: fetishes

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Something which is believed to possess, contain, or cause spiritual or magical powers; an amulet or a talisman.

Noun

Examples

The idols and fetishes were being dressed up and whitewashed, receiving sacrifices.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A figure representing the spirit of a deity, human, or animal; an idol or voodoo doll.

NounRegister: dated

Examples

This was the trunk of a large wooden doll […] now entirely defaced by a long career of vicarious suffering. […] The last nail had been driven in with a fiercer stroke than usual, for the Fetish on that occasion represented aunt Glegg.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “fetish” mean?

Something which is believed to possess, contain, or cause spiritual or magical powers; an amulet or a talisman.

Is “fetish” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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