1. the act or process of endowing something with a soul or spiritual essence
Usage: formal; philosophical or religious context
2. in theology and philosophy, the moment at which a soul is believed to enter or be infused into a body, especially a human fetus
Usage: theological; often used in discussions of abortion and personhood

Examples

• Medieval theologians debated the exact timing of ensoulment during fetal development.
• The artist sought to achieve ensoulment in her sculptures through careful attention to expression and form.
• Religious traditions differ in their understanding of when ensoulment occurs.
• The philosopher argued that ensoulment was a metaphorical rather than literal process.
• Some believe ensoulment happens at conception, while others place it at later stages of development.