Fetish: meaning, definitions and examples

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fetish

[ˈfɛtɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sexual

A form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc.

Synonyms

fixation, infatuation, mania, obsession.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fetish	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.
obsession	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.
fixation	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.
mania	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.
infatuation	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.

Examples of usage

He had a fetish for high heels.
She developed a fetish for leather.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

non-sexual

An excessive and irrational devotion or commitment to a particular thing.

Synonyms

devotion, enthusiasm, passion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fetish	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.
passion	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.
enthusiasm	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.
devotion	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.

Examples of usage

She has a fetish for collecting vintage stamps.
His fetish for cleanliness borders on obsessive.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Portuguese word 'feitiço', meaning 'charm' or 'sorcery', reflecting early ideas of magical objects.
It was first recorded in the 16th century, referring to objects believed to hold spiritual power.
In Victorian England, the word evolved to represent more psychological and sexual meanings.

Psychology

In psychology, a fetish can be a strong sexual attraction to non-living objects or a specific body part.
Research indicates that fetishes can arise from association and conditioning, linking a particular object with sexual arousal.
Certain types of fetishes are classified under paraphilias, where the attraction to the object or situation significantly impacts one's life.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have varied interpretations of fetishes; some may celebrate them in art, while others regard them with caution.
Fetishism has been depicted in literature, from classic novels to modern media, exploring themes of desire and identity.
In some African and Caribbean traditions, specific objects serve as protective charms or talismans, paralleling the concept of fetishism.

Pop Culture

Fetishes often appear in films and music, signaling societal norms about attraction and relationships.
The fashion industry sometimes embraces fetish elements, influencing trends and self-expression through provocative designs.
In contemporary discussions, the term may also refer to consumerism, where brands or products take on a 'fetish-like' allure.

Science

Studies in human sexuality show that many people experience fetishes at some point in their lives, questioning what is considered 'normal' attraction.
Neuroscience has begun to explore how the brain processes fetishistic desires, linking them to reward pathways that associate objects with gratification.
Understanding fetishes helps researchers unravel the intricate connection between psychology, identity, and sexual expression.

Translations

Translations of the word "fetish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fetiche

🇮🇳 फ़ेटिश

🇩🇪 Fetisch

🇮🇩 fetish

🇺🇦 фетиш

🇵🇱 fetysz

🇯🇵 フェティッシュ (fetisshu)

🇫🇷 fétiche

🇪🇸 fetiche

🇹🇷 fetiş

🇰🇷 페티시 (petisi)

🇸🇦 فتش (fetish)

🇨🇿 fetiš

🇸🇰 fetiš

🇨🇳 恋物癖 (liànwùpǐ)

🇸🇮 fetiš

🇮🇸 fetish

🇰🇿 фетиш

🇬🇪 ფეტიში (petishi)

🇦🇿 fetiş

🇲🇽 fetiche

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,181, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21178 formatted
21179 unwell
21180 endeared
21181 fetish
21182 loyally
21183 headland
21184 brothel
...