amulet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, historical, occult
Quick answer
What does “amulet” mean?
A small object worn to protect against evil, harm, or illness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small object worn to protect against evil, harm, or illness.
Any item carried or worn as a charm for its perceived magical protective or luck-bringing properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally understood in both variants.
Connotations
Carries the same historical and mystical connotations in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to greater commonality of historical and archaeological discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “amulet” in a Sentence
[possessive] + amulet (e.g., 'her amulet')amulet + of + [protection/luck/etc.]amulet + against + [evil/danger/etc.]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amulet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest will amulet the medallion in a brief ceremony. (Rare, archaic)
American English
- She wanted to amulet the stone for protection. (Rare, archaic)
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The amuletic properties of the gem were highly valued. (Technical/rare)
American English
- They studied the amuletic symbols on the artefact. (Technical/rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, anthropological, and religious studies texts.
Everyday
Used in discussions of history, fantasy media, jewellery, or superstition.
Technical
Used in archaeology and museology to classify certain artefacts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amulet”
- Misspelling as 'ammulet' (double m).
- Confusing with 'anklet' (a bracelet for the ankle).
- Using interchangeably with 'ornament' (an amulet has a specific function).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While often used interchangeably, an amulet is traditionally for protection against evil or harm, whereas a talisman is for attracting good fortune, power, or success.
Typically, it is a specially made or consecrated object, like a carved stone, medal, or gem, though any object can be considered an amulet if it is believed to hold protective power.
It is not an everyday word but is well-known and used in specific contexts like history, archaeology, fantasy literature, and discussions of jewellery or superstition.
The verb 'to amulet' exists but is extremely rare and archaic, meaning to protect with or provide with an amulet.
A small object worn to protect against evil, harm, or illness.
Amulet is usually formal, literary, historical, occult in register.
Amulet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæm.jʊ.lət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæm.jə.lət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms specifically with 'amulet'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A MULE T(ote)s an amulet.' Imagine a small mule carrying a tiny protective charm.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS AN OBJECT YOU CARRY; LUCK IS A PHYSICAL ENTITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of an amulet?