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

Critics argue that attributing human-like emotions to AI is a form of anthropomorphism, where the complex processes of AI optimization are mistakenly equated with human feelings. —Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

The jokes ranged from satire (Horatian type) to anthropomorphism — giving animals or objects human-like qualities — and one that is a combination of the two. —Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025

The study raises critical questions about how chatbot interfaces should be designed to potentially discourage anthropomorphism. —Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2025

Seeing human-like mental illnesses in animals became associated with anthropomorphism, a practice generally viewed as at odds with objective science. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anthropomorphism

• automorphism
• homomorphism
• isomorphism
• metamorphism
• dimorphism
• dwarfism
• homeomorphism

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