talisman
talisman Lexical Profile
talisman Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck.
"The traveler wore a small jade talisman around his neck for protection during the long journey."
British A key player or leader who inspires a team and is regarded as a symbol of its success.
"With their star striker and midfield talisman injured, the club struggled to score in the championship final."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often used interchangeably in everyday speech, a 'talisman' is traditionally thought to actively bring good luck or bestow special powers upon its bearer, whereas an 'amulet' is meant purely to ward off evil or danger. Additionally, the plural form is strictly 'talismans' (never 'talismen', since the word does not derive from the English word 'man').
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 17th century via French and Spanish from Arabic 'ṭilasm', which itself came from Byzantine Greek 'telesma' (a consecrated object or religious rite), derived from Ancient Greek 'teleō' meaning 'to complete' or 'to perform a rite'.