anthropomorphism

noun

an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phism ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfi-zəm How to pronounce anthropomorphism (audio)
: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics : humanization
Children's stories have a long tradition of anthropomorphism.
anthropomorphist
ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-fist How to pronounce anthropomorphism (audio)
noun

Examples of anthropomorphism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My Best Friend’s House A streak of Pee-wee’s Playhouse–style decorative anthropomorphism runs through this musical sketch about the disturbing revelations that greet a woman’s return to her childhood town. —Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024 The temptation to treat AI as a human-like partner is real — and that’s where the risk of anthropomorphism comes in. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 The anthropomorphism on display is anything but cutesy. —Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2024 Giving key wildlife individual names isn't about anthropomorphism, McSpadden said, but creating connections between humans and the wild. —Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for anthropomorphism 

Word History

Etymology

Greek anthrōpómorphos "having human form" + -ism — more at anthropomorphic

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthropomorphism was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphidae

anthropomorphism

anthropomorphite

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Anthropomorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropomorphism. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

anthropomorphism

noun
an·​thro·​po·​mor·​phism ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈmȯr-ˌfiz-əm How to pronounce anthropomorphism (audio)
: an interpretation of what is not human or personal in terms of human or personal characteristics compare theriomorphism
anthropomorphic
-fik How to pronounce anthropomorphism (audio)
adjective
anthropomorphically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce anthropomorphism (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on anthropomorphism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anthropomorphism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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