anthropomorphism
(-ˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m)
[f. anthropomorphize: see -ism. Cf. Fr. anthropomorphisme.]
Attribution of human form or character. a. Ascription of a human form and attributes to the Deity.
| 1753 Chambers Cycl. Supp., Anthropomorphism, among divines, the error of those who ascribe a human figure to the deity. 1781 Gibbon Decl. & F. II. xlvii. 742 Scandalized by the anthropomorphism of the vulgar. 1873 Symonds Grk. Poets i. 17 The anthropomorphism of the Greek Pantheon. |
b. Ascription of a human attribute or personality to anything impersonal or irrational.
| 1858 Lewes Seaside Stud. 341 We speak with large latitude of anthropomorphism when we speak of the ‘vision’ of these animals [molluscs]. |
2. In language: The use of language applicable to men in speaking of God; anthropomorphology.
| 1833 Coleridge Table T. 293 The strong anthropomorphism of the Hebrew Scriptures. 1860 Pusey Min. Proph. 433 Thou didst walk through the sea with Thine horses..Such anthropomorphisms have a truth, which men's favourite abstractions have not. |