mysticism

[mis-tuh-siz-uhm]

noun

1. the beliefs, ideas, or mode of thought of mystics.

2. a doctrine of an immediate spiritual intuition of truths believed to transcend ordinary understanding, or of a direct, intimate union of the soul with God through contemplation or ecstasy.

3. obscure thought or speculation.

mysticism

/ ˈmɪstɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. belief in or experience of a reality surpassing normal human understanding or experience, esp a reality perceived as essential to the nature of life

2. a system of contemplative prayer and spirituality aimed at achieving direct intuitive experience of the divine

3. obscure or confused belief or thought

mysticism

1. In religion, the attempt by an individual to achieve a personal union with God or with some other divine being or principle. Mystics generally practice daily meditation.

Other Word Forms

• antimysticism noun
• nonmysticism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mysticism¹

First recorded in 1730–40; mystic + -ism

Example Sentences

It’s intimate drama laced with mysticism, an adult theme ultimately handled with a hint of levity for this family-friendly show.

From Los Angeles Times

Jones, who has lost both parents in the last six years, says she’s also been reading books about Celtic mysticism, sorrow and connecting to nature.

From Los Angeles Times

He described himself as a "spiritual nomad", exploring paths through yoga, Buddhism, and Christian mysticism, and learned from the Dalai Lama - whom he gifted a tartan-pouched hair clipper in 1988.

From BBC

During an eight-week trial, the court heard the couple had created their own bespoke belief system based on a mixture of elements that drew from New Age mysticism and West African religion.

From BBC

She wasn’t so much superstitious as obedient, devoted to making the ineffable routine and mysticism accessible even to the uninitiated.

From Los Angeles Times