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

Johnson continued to play the new-age bohemian with a pendulous amulet swinging from her neck. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2024

At least Natalie Portman got the memo, arriving at Paris Fashion Week serving full The Craft with a ribbon choker bearing a spooky amulet. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 24 Sep. 2024

While much of her inspiration information comes from fine and high jewelry of Europe and the USA, Ehrlich also favors traditional and ancient jewels from the Middle East and North Africa worn as protective amulets, symbols of religious faith or tribal affiliation. —Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024

Both the Romans and Vikings fashioned items with jet, ranging from buttons and rings to tiny sculptures and protective amulets. —Emili Vesilind, CNN, 17 Sep. 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