mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmi-stə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communion with ultimate reality reported by mystics

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience (such as intuition or insight)

3

a

: vague speculation : a belief without sound basis

b

: a theory postulating the possibility of direct and intuitive acquisition of ineffable knowledge or power

Examples of mysticism in a Sentence

Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mysticism.

a student of Eastern mysticism

Recent Examples on the Web

Each of the participants had different experiences, with only one not entering a state of mysticism, Dosenbach said. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 17 July 2024

Viola, who was deeply interested in the spiritual practice of Zen Buddhism, Christian mysticism and Islamic Sufism, explored these subjects with astonishing poetry and kindness. —Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 13 July 2024

The result is a wild delight: a work of magical-realist, jet-black comedy, steeped in Jewish mysticism, starring one of New York’s great literary heroines, and rendered in dazzling, lapidary prose. —The New Yorker, 26 June 2024

These degrees bring out mysticism and intuition in the water sign. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

mystic entry 1 + -ism

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

mysticism

noun

mys·​ti·​cism ˈmis-tə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the experience of mystical union or direct communication with God

2

: the belief that direct knowledge of God or of spiritual truth can be achieved through deep meditation