Fetishistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.