fetishism

noun

fe·​tish·​ism ˈfe-ti-ˌshi-zəm How to pronounce fetishism (audio)
 also  ˈfē-
variants or less commonly fetichism
1
: belief in or use of spiritual fetishes
2
: extravagant irrational devotion
3
: the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish
fetishist
ˈfe-ti-shist How to pronounce fetishism (audio)
 also  ˈfē-
noun
fetishistic adjective
fetishistically adverb

Examples of fetishism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Like, before me, the person foot fetishism was defined by was Luis Buñuel, another film director. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025 Like, before me, the person foot fetishism was defined by was Luis Buñuel, another film director. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025 In Marx’s terminology, this is a form of capital fetishism. Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025 Often overlooked and also categorized with fetishism (also known as axilism), armpits are sensitive to both light and firm touch. Essence, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fetishism

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fetishism was in 1777

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Cite this Entry

“Fetishism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetishism. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

Medical Definition

fetishism

noun
fe·​tish·​ism
variants also fetichism
: the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish
fetishistic adjective
fetishistically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fetishism

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