fetishism

noun

fe·​tish·​ism ˈfe-ti-ˌshi-zəm 

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 

also ˈfē-

noun

fetishistic

ˌfe-ti-ˈshi-stik 

also

ˌfē- 

adjective

fetishistically

ˌfe-ti-ˈshi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

also ˌfē-

adverb

Examples of fetishism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jones, whose work culminated in the ’70s, was known for fusing commercial fetishism with fine art and was often criticized for his figurative objectification of women. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

If this weren’t enough, there is also an almost pathological shoe fetishism. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026

There’s more to the novel, translated from the German by Daniel Bowles, than a purse-lipped satire of fetishism, but Kracht keeps it well below the surface. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

To achieve this coherence, one must be freed from all fetishism toward the past and commit to a wholly new adventure. — Elinore Weil, Artforum, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fetishism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

Medical Definition

fetishism

noun

fe·​tish·​ism

variants also fetichism

-ish-ˌiz-əm 

: the pathological displacement of erotic interest and satisfaction to a fetish

fetishistic adjective

also fetichistic

ˌfet-ish-ˈis-tik also ˌfēt- 

fetishistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb