animism

an·i·mism  (n-mzm)

n.

1. The belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena.

2. The belief in the existence of spiritual beings that are separable or separate from bodies.

3. The hypothesis holding that an immaterial force animates the universe.

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[From Latin anima, soul; see an- in Indo-European roots.]

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ani·mist n.

ani·mistic adj.

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animism

Noun

the belief that natural objects possess souls [Latin anima breath, spirit]

animist nadj
animistic adj

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animism

1. the belief that natural objects and phenomena and the universe itself possess souls and consciousness.
2. the belief in spiritual beings or agencies. — animist, n. — animistic, adj.

See also: God and Gods

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

animism - the doctrine that all natural objects and the universe itself have souls; "animism is common among primitive peoples" doctrine, ism, philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought - a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school