What does "talisman" mean?
A magical object providing protection against ill will, or the supernatural, or conferring the wearer with a boon such as good luck, good health, or power(s).
Talisman
/ˈtæl.ɪsˌmæn/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A magical object providing protection against ill will, or the supernatural, or conferring the wearer with a boon such as good luck, good health, or power(s).
- Grammar: talisman is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: amulet, amulet, amulets, anchor.
- Useful contrasts: anxiety, curse, insecurity.
- Usage evidence: With this talisman, you can ward off any and all evil spirits.
How to use "talisman"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "talisman" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "talisman" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "talisman" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "talisman" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "amulet" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A magical object providing protection against ill will, or the supernatural, or conferring the wearer with a boon such as good luck, good health, or power(s).
"That woman’s love is a talisman by which he holds and hopes to get his safety."
- 2 A mullah (Islamic religious scholar). India, obsolete
- 3 a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease wordnet
Verb
- 1 To adorn with a talisman. transitive
"The second in his saddle reeled, / Down thundered man and horse;— / Oft I essayed with blow and thrust, / As oft a foeman rolled in dust; / But, ah, what could a single arm, / Though talismaned by beauty’s charm, / Against a host?—for love—for life— / I waged awhile the desperate strife; / ’T was vain—I fell—was left for dead— / And rescued was th’ unwilling maid!"
Antonyms
Example
"With this talisman, you can ward off any and all evil spirits."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "talisman"?
Common synonyms include: amulet, amulet, amulets, anchor, charm, charm.
How do you use "talisman" in a sentence?
With this talisman, you can ward off any and all evil spirits.
How do you pronounce "talisman"?
Pronounced /ˈtæl.ɪsˌmæn/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From French talisman, partly from Arabic طِلَّسْم (ṭillasm, “payment”), from Ancient Greek τέλεσμα (télesma, “payment”); and partly directly from Byzantine Greek τέλεσμα (télesma, “talisman, religious rite, completion”), from τελέω (teléō, “to perform religious rites, to complete”), from τέλος (télos, “end, fulfillment, accomplishment, consummation, completion”). Doublet of telesm.
Etymology 2
Uncertain. Perhaps a corruption of some Arabic word.