talisman
noun
tal·is·man ˈta-ləs-mən 
-ləz-
plural talismans
1
: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
2
: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
talismanic
ˌta-ləs-ˈma-nik
adjective -ləz-
talismanically
ˌta-ləs-ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē
adverb -ləz-
Did you know?
The English language may have borrowed talisman from French, Spanish, or Italian; all three include similar-looking words for a lucky charm that derive from an Arabic word for a charm, ṭilsam. Ṭilsam traces to ancient Greek telein, which means "to initiate into the mysteries."
Synonyms
- amulet
- charm
- fetish
- fetich
- mascot
- mojo
- periapt
- phylactery
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
a pendant of white nephrite jade is often worn by Indians as a talisman to ward off heart disease
Recent Examples on the Web Not that any of these practicalities make the heartbreak for Leeds United fans at losing their talisman any less painful. 
Zak Garner-purkis, Forbes, 26 June 2022 For now, a talisman — a bouquet of willow branches, a symbol of survival — is visible beneath the windshield. Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 By featuring 'Running Up That Hill' in such a positive light — as a talisman for Max (one of the main female characters) — the song has been brought into the emotional arena of her story. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 20 June 2022 It’s written and drawn by one central character, and gets passed down to others like a cultural talisman. Bob Verini, Variety, 13 June 2022 The chest-puffing point guard is the talisman for this team, an ultimate believer in himself who never backs down from anyone or any challenge. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2022 For now, a talisman — a bouquet of willow branches, a symbol of survival — is visible beneath the windshield. Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 Ben Stokes, England’s talisman, is almost surely set to be be named his country’s new Test captain. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Apr. 2022 For now, a talisman — a bouquet of willow branches, a symbol of survival — is visible beneath the windshield. Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 See More
Zak Garner-purkis, Forbes, 26 June 2022 For now, a talisman — a bouquet of willow branches, a symbol of survival — is visible beneath the windshield. Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 By featuring 'Running Up That Hill' in such a positive light — as a talisman for Max (one of the main female characters) — the song has been brought into the emotional arena of her story. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 20 June 2022 It’s written and drawn by one central character, and gets passed down to others like a cultural talisman. Bob Verini, Variety, 13 June 2022 The chest-puffing point guard is the talisman for this team, an ultimate believer in himself who never backs down from anyone or any challenge. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2022 For now, a talisman — a bouquet of willow branches, a symbol of survival — is visible beneath the windshield. Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 Ben Stokes, England’s talisman, is almost surely set to be be named his country’s new Test captain. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 24 Apr. 2022 For now, a talisman — a bouquet of willow branches, a symbol of survival — is visible beneath the windshield. Rick Noack And Sandra Mehl, Anchorage Daily News, 13 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos
First Known Use
1638, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
talisman
noun
tal·is·man ˈta-lə-smən
plural talismans
: a ring or stone carved with symbols and believed to have magical powers : charm
talismans
noun
as in amulets
something worn or kept to bring good luck or keep away evil a pendant of white nephrite jade is often worn by Indians as a talisman to ward off heart disease Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- amulets
- charms
- emblems
- symbols
- phylacteries
- mascots
- fetiches
- mojos
- fetishes
- periapts
- philters
- jujus
- totems
- tokens
- gris-gris
- mojoes
- toadstones
- grigri
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- spells
- curses
- jinxes
- hoodoos
- hexes
- deep ecologist
- deep ecology
- deep etch
- deep fat
- deep field
- deep focus
- deep freeze
- deep freezer
- deep freezes
- deep fryer
- deep in debt
- deep kiss
- deep mourning
- deep pocket
- deep pockets
- deep psychology
- Deep South
- deep space
- deep state
- deep states
- deep stone
- deep structure
- deep tank
- deep temporal artery
- deep throat