Definition of fetishism

The term "fetishism" originated in the 17th century from the Portuguese word "feitiço," meaning "enchanted object" or "charm." Initially, it referred to the attribution of magical powers to inanimate objects, such as dolls or rituals. During the 19th century, the concept was adopted by anthropologists and sociologists, particularly by French anthropologist Charles de Brosses, who used it to describe a Western assumption of the African practice of object idolatry. In the 20th century, the term was further expanded by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, who introduced the concept of "sexual fetishism" to describe the fixation on a particular body part or object that becomes a substitute for the human body. This concept was later developed by American psychologist Robert Stoller, who proposed the idea of "erotogenic zones," where certain body parts or objects become the focus of sexual arousal. Today, the term "fetishism" encompasses a broader range of meanings, including cultural, social, and psychological contexts, but its roots remain tied to the original concept of attributing significant value or power to inanimate objects.