Fetishism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• In psychological terms, fetishism is often categorized as a paraphilia, which is a condition where sexual arousal is associated with non-sexual objects.
• Fetishism can manifest in many forms, such as clothing, materials, or even body parts, and can significantly affect an individual's sexual relationships.

Cultural Perspectives

• Different cultures have various interpretations of fetishism; in some, it is related to spiritual or religious beliefs, while in others, it is considered taboo.
• In modern consumer culture, fetishism is sometimes reflected in the intense brand loyalty or attachment individuals develop towards certain products.

Art and Literature

• Fetishism has been explored in literature and art, often highlighting the obsession or longing characters have for particular objects or ideals.
• The Surrealist movement embraced fetishistic themes, using unexpected objects to evoke deeper meanings and emotional responses from viewers.

Sociology

• Sociologists study fetishism to understand societal norms around sexual expression and how they influence personal relationships.
• The rise of digital culture has influenced modern fetishism, enabling communities around specific interests that were previously isolated.

Main points about word origin

• Originating from the Latin word 'fetishus', meaning 'an object of worship', the term initially referred to objects believed to have magical powers.
• The word was first used in English in the 16th century, initially to describe voodoo dolls and other talismans used in African religious practices.

The term fetishism originated in the early 17th century from the Portuguese word 'feitiço', which means 'charm' or 'sorcery'. It was used to describe the practice of idol worship among indigenous peoples and to denote the magical powers attributed to certain objects. The concept gradually evolved, particularly in the fields of anthropology and psychology. In the late 19th century, psychoanalysts, notably Sigmund Freud, began to develop the idea of fetishism as it relates to sexual desires and neuroses. They suggested that fetishism could stem from developmental phases of psychosexual development, linking it to subconscious thoughts and feelings. As a result, the term became more associated with sexual attraction to non-sexual objects and body parts, contributing to the broader understanding of human sexuality.

At rank #27,410, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 27407 commingling
• 27408 recondite
• 27409 stun
• 27410 fetishism
• 27411 eclecticism
• 27412 retracting
• 27413 cramming
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