anthropomorphism

noun

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phism ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm 

: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : humanization

Children's stories have a long tradition of anthropomorphism.

anthropomorphist

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fist 

noun

Examples of anthropomorphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many animal researchers now say worries about anthropomorphism went too far. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2024

My Best Friend’s House A streak of Pee-wee’s Playhouse–style decorative anthropomorphism runs through this musical sketch about the disturbing revelations that greet a woman’s return to her childhood town. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024

The temptation to treat AI as a human-like partner is real — and that’s where the risk of anthropomorphism comes in. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024

The anthropomorphism on display is anything but cutesy. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" + -ism — more at anthropomorphic

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anthropomorphism

noun

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phism ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm 

: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics compare theriomorphism

anthropomorphic

-fik 

adjective

anthropomorphically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb