animism
/ˈænɪmɪzəm/
noun
- The belief that natural objects, places, and animals all have a spiritual essence or soul.
- Many indigenous cultures practice animism, believing that rivers and mountains have spirits.
- The child's view of the world was like animism, as she talked to her toys as if they were alive.
- Animism is one of the oldest known spiritual beliefs in human history.