Dictionary
fetish
noun fe·tish \ˈfe-tish also ˈfē-\
: a strong and unusual need or desire for something
: a need or desire for an object, body part, or activity for sexual excitement
: an object that is believed to have magical powers
Full Definition of FETISH
1
a : an object (as a small stone carving of an animal) believed to have magical power to protect or aid its owner; broadly : a material object regarded with superstitious or extravagant trust or reverence b : an object of irrational reverence or obsessive devotion : prepossession c : an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression
2
: a rite or cult of fetish worshipers
3
: fixation
See fetish defined for English-language learners
See fetish defined for kids
Variants of FETISH
fe·tish also fe·tich \ˈfe-tish also ˈfē-\
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of FETISH
French & Portuguese; French fétiche, from Portuguese feitiço, from feitiço artificial, false, from Latin facticius factitious
First Known Use: 1613
Related to FETISH
- Synonyms
- fixation (also fetich), idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation, prepossession
Other Psychology Terms
Medical Dictionary
fetish
noun fe·tish
Medical Definition of FETISH
: an object or bodily part whose real or fantasized presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression
Variants of FETISH
fe·tish also fe·tich \ˈfet-ish also ˈfēt-\
Learn More About FETISH
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: fetishismPrevious Word in the Dictionary: fetiparousAll Words Near: fetish
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up fetish? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).