Fetishism: meaning, definitions and examples

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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