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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near yetzer

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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