1. objects believed to have magical or spiritual powers
Usage: anthropology; religion
2. objects of excessive or irrational devotion or concern

Examples

• The museum displayed ancient fetishes from various African cultures.
• Many tribes believed their fetishes could protect them from harm.
• He collected vintage cars as if they were sacred fetishes.
• The anthropologist studied the role of fetishes in traditional ceremonies.
• Some people make fetishes out of material possessions.
• The carved wooden fetishes were thought to bring good fortune.