Definition of: animism

(an′ə·miz′əm) noun
1. The doctrine that the phenomena of animal life are produced by a soul or spiritual force distinct from matter.
2. The belief in the existence of spirit or soul, as distinct from matter.
3. The doctrine that inanimate objects and natural phenomena possess a personal life or soul. [ < L anima soul]
—an′i·mist noun
—an′i·mis′tic adjective