amulet

[am-yuh-lit]

noun

1. a small object worn to ward off evil, harm, or illness or to bring good fortune; a protective charm.

   Synonyms: talisman, good luck charm

amulet

/ ˈæmjʊlɪt /

noun

1. a trinket or piece of jewellery worn as a protection against evil; charm

Word History and Origins

Origin of amulet¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; either from Middle French amulete or directly from Latin amulētum

Word History and Origins

Origin of amulet¹

C17: from Latin amulētum, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It’s as though this object has become an enchanted amulet that has brought me simultaneously back into the past, her past, and forward into the future, my future.

From Los Angeles Times

Roblox users can buy a bundle that includes a code to download the 2008 “Twilight” movie, a digital movie T-shirt and another item, such as a virtual amulet.

From Los Angeles Times

Again, many other jihadists reject the use of amulets, believing them to be contrary to the teachings of Islam.

From BBC

Mr Beer said sometimes this involved the use of amulets known as “taweez”, which can contain written verses of the Koran and can be worn around the neck.

From BBC

The things they carried — amulets that hadn’t worked, kids’ drawings, family photos, letters of love and despair — would be collected and cataloged.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• ornament 
• talisman