Fetish: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a strong and unusual desire or need for a particular object or activity, often with sexual connotations. May have a slightly negative or taboo connotation.

• He has a fetish for high heels.
• Her shoe fetish is well-known among her friends.

Your thoughts are repeatedly focused on one particular thing to an unhealthy degree, often causing distress or intruding on daily life.

• His obsession with fitness is starting to worry his friends.
• She cooks tirelessly, with an obsession for perfecting every recipe.

Refers to a persistent focus or preoccupation on something, often to the point of it being unhealthy or excessive, but not necessarily sexual.

• He has a fixation on cleanliness, washing his hands dozens of times a day.
• Her fixation with social media is affecting her work.

Denotes an extreme enthusiasm or desire for something, often in a frenzied or uncontrollable manner. It may imply a sense of madness or irrationality.

• The mania over the new video game release has fans camping out overnight.
• During the tulip mania, people were willing to pay exorbitant prices for tulip bulbs.

Describes an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something, often romantic in nature. Typically seen as irrational or foolish.

• His infatuation with his new colleague is obvious to everyone.
• Teenagers often experience infatuations that fade quickly.

This term is commonly used to describe an intense fascination or obsessive interest in an object or activity, often with sexual connotations. It usually carries a negative or specialized implication because of its association with obsessive behavior.

• He has a shoe fetish that many find unusual.
• Her collection of antique dolls borders on a fetish.

Signifies a strong and barely controllable emotion, often associated with love, anger, or enthusiasm. It's used when discussing intense feelings, whether positive or negative.

• His passion for music never wavered.
• She spoke with such passion about the injustices in the world.

Describes eager interest or enjoyment, usually in a general sense without the intensity implied by 'passion' or 'fetish'. This term has a positive connotation and is commonly used for hobbies, new projects, or discoveries.

• He showed great enthusiasm for the new project.
• Her enthusiasm for painting is infectious.

Refers to profound dedication or loyalty, often used in the context of relationships, religious worship, or committed activities. It carries a positive connotation, implying sincere attachment and commitment.

• Her devotion to her family is truly admirable.
• The monk's life is marked by devotion to his faith.