mysticise

A writer tries to mysticise the ancient forest in his novel.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To make something mystical or mysterious: "mysticise" means to give a mystical or supernatural character to something, often by attributing hidden or spiritual meanings to it.
   • To obscure with mysticism: To render something unclear or esoteric by treating it as if it belongs to the realm of mysticism.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To write or speak about mystical matters: "mysticise" can also mean to engage in discourse about mystical or supernatural topics.
   • To discuss mystical subjects: To talk or write in a way that focuses on mystical themes.

Usage Examples

• Transitive:

  • The author tends to mysticise everyday events, turning simple coincidences into signs of divine intervention. (The writer makes ordinary occurrences seem mystical.)
  • Philosophers sometimes mysticise complex ideas, making them harder for the public to understand. (They obscure concepts with mystical language.)

• Intransitive:

  • He spent hours mysticising about the nature of the soul. (He spoke or wrote at length about mystical topics.)
  • The poet often mysticised in his later works, exploring themes of transcendence. (He focused on mystical subjects in his poetry.)

Advanced Usage

• "to mysticise a concept": to treat a rational or scientific concept as if it were supernatural or beyond human understanding.

  • Some New Age thinkers mysticise quantum physics, ignoring its empirical basis. (They give it a mystical interpretation.)

• "to mysticise a tradition": to add mystical elements to a cultural or religious practice.

  • The ritual was mysticised over centuries, acquiring layers of esoteric meaning. (It became more mysterious and symbolic over time.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mystic (n): a person who seeks direct union with the divine through contemplation.

  • The mystic spent years in meditation. (A person devoted to mystical experience.)

• Mystical (adj): relating to mysticism or having a spiritual, mysterious quality.

  • The forest had a mystical atmosphere. (It felt magical or otherworldly.)

• Mysticism (n): the belief that direct knowledge of God or ultimate reality is possible through personal experience.

  • Her writings are steeped in mysticism. (They are full of mystical ideas.)

Synonyms

• Sanctify: to make holy or sacred (often with a mystical tone).
• Enshroud: to cover or hide in mystery.
• Spiritualize: to give a spiritual or mystical interpretation.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• To wrap in mystery: to make something seem secret or mystical.
  • The old legend was wrapped in mystery, mysticised by generations of storytellers. (It was made mysterious over time.)