Spiritualism

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈspɪɹɪtjuəlɪzəm/

Definitions

  1. The belief that spirits of the dead can communicate with the living through mediums | A philosophical movement emphasizing the importance of the spirit and spiritual experiences over material aspects of life | A practice that involves the study of the relationship between the physical world and spiritual entities, often involves séance and mediumship
  2. The doctrine which posits that communication with departed souls is possible through intermediaries is central to this belief system
  3. This philosophical approach prioritizes spiritual experiences and the significance of the soul over physical existence

Etymology: The rise of the concept behind this word is closely linked to the 19th-century fascination with the supernatural and the afterlife. During the mid-1800s, particularly in the United States and Europe, a movement emerged that sought to communicate with the spirits of the dead through mediums and séances. This belief system and practice became known as by combining the root related to "spirit" with the suffix that denotes a doctrine or system of belief. The root derives from "spirit," which traces back to the Latin "spiritus," meaning breath, soul, or spirit. This Latin term itself comes from "spirare," meaning to breathe, highlighting the ancient association between breath and life or soul. The suffix "-ism," borrowed from Greek via Latin and French, is used to form nouns indicating ideologies, systems, or movements. Together, they form a term that denotes a belief system centered on spirits. The word entered English usage in the mid-19th century, coinciding with the formalization of the spiritualist movement. The Fox sisters in upstate New York are often credited with triggering the movement in the late 1840s when they claimed to communicate with spirits through mysterious rapping sounds. As the movement spread, the term gained currency to describe both the practice and the broader philosophy. Unlike many religious or philosophical terms with ancient roots, this one is relatively modern, arising from a specific cultural and historical context rather than evolving gradually through centuries. It captures a particular response to questions about mortality, consciousness, and the possibility of life beyond death during an era marked by scientific progress and skepticism.

Synonyms: metaphysics, mysticism, esotericism, occultism, animism

Antonyms: materialism, physicalism