yetzer

noun

yet·​zer
ˈyātsə(r)
plural yetzarim
ˌyātsəˈrēm
or yetzers
: the impulse or inclination with which humans are endowed according to Jewish traditional belief

Word History

Etymology

Late Hebrew yēṣer, from Hebrew, form, frame, purpose

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near yetzer

Cite this Entry

“Yetzer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yetzer. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!