animism

 
Pronunciation: /ˈanɪmɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the attribution of a living soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.
  • 2the belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the material universe: beneath the veneer of Hindu religion, ancient animism runs strong

Derivatives

animist

noun

animistic

Pronunciation: /-ˈmɪstɪk/
adjective

Origin:

mid 19th century: from Latin anima 'life, soul' + -ism