plural fetishes
1
: a strong and unusual need or desire for something
He has a fetish for secrecy.
2
: a need or desire for an object, body part, or activity for sexual excitement
a shoe/foot/leather fetish
3
: an object that is believed to have magical powers
He wore a fetish to ward off evil spirits.
Cite this Entry
“Fetish.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fetish. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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