amulet

noun

am·​u·​let ˈam-yə-lət 

: a charm (such as an ornament) often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol to aid the wearer or protect against evil (such as disease or witchcraft)

Synonyms

• charm
• fetish
• fetich
• mascot
• mojo
• periapt
• phylactery
• talisman

Examples of amulet in a Sentence

a small cross made of goat bone was worn in the Middle Ages as an amulet to ward off evil

Recent Examples on the Web

During the Middle Bronze Age, scarabs were used as seals and amulets, as Daphna Ben-Tor, curator of Egyptian archaeology at the Israel Museum, says in the IAA statement. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025

The Egyptians thought the scarab symbolized the incarnation of God the Creator. Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor, who works with ancient amulets and seals, told the Israel Antiquities Authority that the seal scarabs were also used as amulets. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025

The scarab was either used as a seal or amulet, according to Dr. Daphna Ben-Tor. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The amulet took the shape of a dung beetle, which was sacred in Ancient Egypt as a symbol of new life, per the press release. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin amulētum, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

amulet

noun

am·​u·​let ˈam-yə-lət 

: a small object worn as a charm against evil