1. the belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth, or ultimate reality can be attained through subjective experience such as intuition or insight
Usage: religious; philosophical
2. a system of contemplative prayer and spirituality aimed at achieving unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute
Usage: religious
3. vague or ill-defined religious or spiritual belief, especially when regarded as irrational or groundless
Usage: often disapproving

Examples

• Medieval Christian mysticism emphasized direct communion with God through prayer and contemplation.
• She was drawn to Eastern mysticism and began studying Buddhist meditation practices.
• The professor criticized the book for its reliance on mysticism rather than scientific evidence.
• Sufi mysticism seeks to experience divine love through spiritual practices.
• His interest in mysticism led him to explore various forms of spiritual meditation.
• The movement was dismissed by critics as mere mysticism without practical value.
• Jewish mysticism, known as Kabbalah, has influenced many spiritual traditions.