Fetishistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👠

Add to dictionary

fetishistic

[ˌfɛtɪʃˈɪstɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sexual

Relating to or characterized by fetishism, 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

abnormal, deviant, fetish, obsessive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fetishistic	Used in situations where something or someone has an unusually strong or irrational focus or obsession on a particular object or activity, often in a sexual context. His approach to collecting stamps is almost fetishistic. The film explores fetishistic behaviors in modern society.
fetish	Typically used to describe a strong and unusual desire or fixation on a particular object, body part, or activity, often with a sexual connotation. It can also refer to an object believed to have magical powers. He has a foot fetish. The tribe's sacred fetish was kept in a special place.
obsessive	Describes a situation where an individual is persistently preoccupied with a particular idea, subject, or person. While it may not always have a negative connotation, it often implies an unhealthy level of fixation. Her obsession with cleanliness is getting out of hand. He is obsessive about his work.
deviant	Carries a negative connotation and is often used to describe behaviors or actions that are significantly different from what is considered acceptable or moral by societal standards. His actions were considered deviant by his peers. The book explores the lives of social deviants.
abnormal	Appropriate for indicating something that deviates from the norm, especially in a problematic or disturbing way. It can describe behavior, conditions, or occurrences that are not typical or expected. Her test results came back abnormal. There was something abnormal about the way he reacted.

Examples of usage

He had a fetishistic obsession with women's shoes.
She found his fetishistic behavior unsettling.
The artist's work often explored themes of fetishistic desire.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

non-sexual

Excessively concerned with an object or activity to the point of being considered abnormal or unhealthy.

Synonyms

compulsive, fanatical, fixated, obsessive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fetishistic	Describes a very strong and irrational devotion to something, often with a sexual connotation. His interest in vintage shoes seems almost fetishistic. Her fetishistic obsession with cleanliness is unusual.
obsessive	Describes a preoccupation or persistent idea that dominates a person's thoughts, potentially disrupting daily life. His obsessive need for control makes it difficult for him to delegate tasks. She has an obsessive interest in collecting rare stamps.
fanatical	Describes extreme enthusiasm or dedication to a belief, often with an intense passion. She is fanatical about her favorite sports team, never missing a single game. His fanatical devotion to his political party can be overwhelming.
fixated	Indicates an intense and often unhealthy attachment or focus on something, usually to the exclusion of other activities. He seems fixated on that one mistake he made years ago. She is fixated on her appearance, constantly checking herself in the mirror.
compulsive	Relates to behavior driven by an irresistible urge, often interfering with daily functioning. He has a compulsive habit of washing his hands multiple times a day. Compulsive shopping can lead to severe financial problems.

Examples of usage

His fetishistic focus on cleanliness bordered on obsessive.
Their fetishistic devotion to their work led to neglect of other aspects of their lives.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'fetus', meaning 'to make', originally related to objects believed to have magical powers.
In the 19th century, the term evolved in psychology to describe strong attraction or obsession with certain items or traits.
In addition to sexual connotations, it also encompasses broader cultural practices, such as charms or symbols.

Psychology

Psychological studies suggest that such attractions can arise from early experiences or conditioning.
The phenomenon can provide a sense of comfort or escape for individuals, leading to heightened emotional responses.
Research indicates that these preferences vary widely among individuals and can change over time.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, certain objects hold unique meanings or power, giving rise to fetishistic practices.
Fashion fetishes can be seen in specific styles or materials that evoke strong feelings and identity.
Ritualistic practices in various societies often reflect a form of fetishism, emphasizing the significance of objects in their beliefs.

Art and Literature

Fetishistic themes are frequently explored in modern literature, revealing characters' deeper psychologies.
Artwork often incorporates fetishistic elements to challenge norms and provoke viewer reactions.
Surrealists in the early 20th century delved into fetishism as a way to explore the unconscious mind, breaking taboos.

Origin of 'fetishistic'

The word 'fetishistic' is derived from the term 'fetishism', which originated in the early 17th century from the French word 'fétichisme'. The concept of fetishism was initially used in the context of religion, referring to the worship of objects believed to have magical powers. Over time, the term evolved to include sexual connotations, particularly in the work of psychologists such as Sigmund Freud. Today, 'fetishistic' is used to describe both sexual and non-sexual obsessions or fixations.