animism
noun
an·i·mism
ˈa-nə-ˌmi-zəm 
1
: a doctrine that the vital principle of organic development is immaterial spirit
2
: attribution of conscious life to objects in and phenomena of nature or to inanimate objects
3
: belief in the existence of spirits separable from bodies
Examples of animism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even though Indonesia is a majority Muslim country, the locals practice Balinese Hinduism, which combines traditional Hinduism with animism, which is the belief that all things are animated and have a spiritual essence.
—
Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
The tradition of spirit houses dates back centuries, long before the arrival of Buddhism in Thailand, and is related to animism, the belief that spirits inhabit all elements of the natural world—mountains, trees, rivers, etc.
—Jim Halterman, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2025
The guiding philosophy melds the Buddhist principles of karma—cause and effect; that bad deeds will be repaid in kind—with Bon animism, which teaches respect for all sentient beings.
—By Charlie Campbell/gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
His witchcraft is heavily informed by animism, or the belief that everything possesses a spirit.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
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Essence, 3 Mar. 2025
The tradition of spirit houses dates back centuries, long before the arrival of Buddhism in Thailand, and is related to animism, the belief that spirits inhabit all elements of the natural world—mountains, trees, rivers, etc.
—Jim Halterman, IndieWire, 24 Feb. 2025
The guiding philosophy melds the Buddhist principles of karma—cause and effect; that bad deeds will be repaid in kind—with Bon animism, which teaches respect for all sentient beings.
—By Charlie Campbell/gelephu, Bhutan, TIME, 16 Jan. 2025
His witchcraft is heavily informed by animism, or the belief that everything possesses a spirit.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for animism
Cite this Entry
“Animism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animism. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
animism
noun
an·i·mism
ˈan-ə-ˌmiz-əm
1
: a doctrine that the vital principle of organic development is immaterial spirit
2
: attribution of conscious life to nature or natural objects
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