amulet

/'æmjulit/

Thân thiện

A child wears a small amulet on a leather cord around their neck.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small object worn as a charm to protect against evil, harm, or illness: An amulet is a piece of jewelry or a trinket, often worn around the neck, that is believed to have magical protective powers.

Usage

• An amulet is typically carried on one's person, often as a pendant.
• It is considered a type of talisman, specifically for protection.
• The belief in its power is central to its definition; it is not merely decorative.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To wear an amulet": To carry an amulet for its supposed protective benefits.
  • Throughout history, soldiers have worn amulets into battle for luck and protection.
• Conceptual use: The word can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides a sense of security.
  • To her, the old locket was more than jewelry; it was an amulet against loneliness.

Variants and Related Words

• Talisman (n): An object, similar to an amulet, believed to bring good luck or confer magical powers. While often used interchangeably, a talisman is sometimes considered more active (bringing good fortune) and an amulet more passive (warding off evil).
• Charm (n): A small ornament or item believed to bring good luck. This is a broader term that can include amulets and talismans.
• Periapt (n): A rare, formal synonym for an amulet or charm.

Synonyms

• Charm
• Talisman
• Fetish (in anthropological contexts, an object believed to have spiritual power)
• Mascot (an object or animal believed to bring good luck, but not necessarily for protection)

Antonyms

• Hex (n): A spell or curse bringing bad luck.
• Jinx (n): Something or someone believed to bring bad luck.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A lucky charm": A common phrase for an object believed to bring good fortune, closely related to the concept of an amulet.
• "To act as an amulet": Used figuratively to describe something that provides protection.
  • His confidence acted as an amulet against their criticism.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a trinket or piece of jewelry usually hung about the neck and thought to be a magical protection against evil or disease

Từ đồng nghĩa

• talisman