fetish
/ˈfetɪʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfetɪʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfe-tish also ˈfē-/ (ame, mw)
fetish — noun
- fetishsingular
- fetishesplural
1. A strong sexual attraction to a specific object or a body part that is not usual
A strong sexual attraction to a specific object or a body part that is not usually linked to sexual activity.
Eitan learned in therapy that his fetish for leather boots connected to childhood memories.
fetish + for + [object], psychological context
A foot fetish is surprisingly common and rarely causes problems in relationships.
Some online groups allow members to discuss their fetishes for silk or latex without judgment.
The documentary showed how a shoe fetish may grow from early sexual experiences.
- fixation
less specific — can be non-sexual and clinical
- object of desire
broader — used for romantic or material desire too
文法句型
fetish + for + [object or body part]
have a fetish for
develop a fetish for
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: the attraction in sense 1 is specifically sexual in nature, not just a very strong interest. Clinically oriented; less common in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
2. A very strong, often excessive involvement with a particular pastime or thing, l
A very strong, often excessive involvement with a particular pastime or thing, leaving little time or energy for anything else.
Vikram's fetish for vinyl records sent him to every second-hand shop in the city.
fetish + for + [interest], informal register
Inês had a cleaning fetish and organized her desk three times a day.
Christopher's fitness fetish meant he knew every muscle group by name.
A love of cooking becomes a fetish when it keeps you from eating with others.
- disinterest
complete lack of interest
文法句型
fetish + for + [activity or object]
have a fetish for
develop a fetish for
用法筆記
Often used informally or humorously to describe a strong hobby or habit. Carries a slightly negative tone of excess — the person spends more time or energy than is reasonable.
常見錯誤
3. An object that people worship or treat with deep respect because they believe it
An object that people worship or treat with deep respect because they believe it contains a spirit or has supernatural powers.
The elders believed the wooden mask was a fetish that guarded the community from harm.
protective fetish in ritual context
Mauricio learned about fetish objects during his anthropology fieldwork in a rural West African region.
Inside the museum case sat a Congolese fetish wrapped in palm leaves and animal hide.
When drought came, the villagers carried the fetish from house to house, asking for rain.
文法句型
fetish as [type of object]
protective fetish
worship a fetish
用法筆記
Frequently appears in anthropology, art history, and museum contexts. This religious meaning is the historical root of the word and predates the psychological senses (1 and 2).