Amulet
noun /ˈæm.jʊ.lɪt/ — An object worn to protect against harm
Definition
An object worn as a charm to protect against harm, evil, or illness — typically jewellery, stones, or small ritual objects believed to carry protective power.
Beyond the definition
The material form of faith in protection. Whether or not an amulet works by any mechanical principle, it works by changing what the wearer believes is possible.
Origin & history
From Latin 'amuletum' — of uncertain origin, possibly from 'amoliri' (to avert). The word itself is ancient enough that its etymology has been partly lost.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She wore her grandmother's ring as an amulet — not for superstition, but for what it meant.
The archaeologist found an Egyptian scarab amulet, a symbol of regeneration worn for three thousand years.
Amulets work differently from charms: a charm attracts; an amulet protects.
Synonyms
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Glowing Protective Talisman
An adult stands at the entrance of an ancient forest, carrying a small, glowing talisman that illuminates the space in front of them.
An amulet is an object worn for protection. The glowing talisman carried by the person at the forest's entrance acts as an amulet: it serves as a protective charm, granting the individual the light and confidence needed to enter the mysterious, shadow-filled space of the ancient forest, demonstrating its role as a guide.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration