1. a person who believes in animism, the belief that natural objects, phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or spiritual essence

Examples

• The animist believed that every tree in the forest had its own spirit.
• As an animist, she felt a deep connection to the mountains and rivers.
• The anthropologist studied the rituals of local animists.
• Many indigenous cultures include animist traditions.
• The animist offered prayers to the spirit of the lake.
• He described himself as an animist who saw consciousness in all things.