fetish

 
Pronunciation: /ˈfɛtɪʃ/

noun

  • 1a form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc.: a man with a fetish for surgical masks a foot fetish some may have fetishes, like dressing up in women’s clothes Victorian men developed fetishes focusing on feet, shoes, and boots
  • an excessive and irrational devotion or commitment to a particular thing: men will never understand a woman’s fetish for shoes and handbags the western fetish for all things North African
  • 2an inanimate object worshipped for its supposed magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a spirit.

Derivatives

fetishism

noun

fetishist

noun

fetishistic

Pronunciation: /-ˈʃɪstɪk/
adjective

Origin:

early 17th century (originally denoting an object used by the peoples of West Africa as an amulet or charm): from French fétiche, from Portuguese feitiço 'charm, sorcery' (originally an adjective meaning 'made by art'), from Latin facticius (see factitious)