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 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.
Seeing human-like mental illnesses in animals became associated with anthropomorphism, a practice generally viewed as at odds with objective science. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2025 Referring to chain-of-thought in an AI context represents an unfortunate anthropomorphism of AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Many animal researchers now say worries about anthropomorphism went too far. Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 2024 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 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

Cite this Entry

“Anthropomorphism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropomorphism. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.

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 adjective
anthropomorphically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on anthropomorphism

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