TALISMAN Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

talisman

[tal-is-muhn, -iz-]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural

talismans

a stone, ring, or other object, engraved with figures or characters supposed to possess occult powers and worn as an amulet or charm.
any amulet or charm.
anything whose presence exercises a remarkable or powerful influence on human feelings or actions.

talisman

/ ˈtælɪzmən, ˌtælɪzˈmænɪk /

noun

a stone or other small object, usually inscribed or carved, believed to protect the wearer from evil influences
anything thought to have magical or protective powers

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

talismanic adjective
talismanical adjective
talismanically adverb

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of talisman¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French talisman, Spanish �ٲ��á�� or other Romance language, from Arabic ṭi��, from Late Greek ��é��ǲ� “completion, performance, consecrated object,” from Greek ��é�� “payment, payment to be made, outlay, expense,” a derivative of �ٱ��î�� “to complete, perform” + -ma noun suffix of result. The final -n in the western Europen languages is unexplained.

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of talisman¹

C17: via French or Spanish from Arabic tilsam, from Medieval Greek telesma ritual, from Greek: consecration, from telein to perform a rite, complete, from telos end, result

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

With just a year left on his contract, Brentford boss Thomas Frank has admitted the club are open to offers for their talisman, despite wanting to keep him at the club.

From

Even then, away Ashes are yet to see the best of England's talisman.

From

It was the end of an era and Leicester must find a new talisman.

From

It wouldn’t be the first time a team rallied around an unconventional talisman.

From

"He's a modern-day club legend, for obvious reasons, and a figurehead and talisman of what we have done on the pitch," says Wrexham fan and co-host of the Fearless in Devotion podcast Tim Edwards.

From

talipot talk

Browse