What does spiritualist mean?
A spiritualist is someone who believes that spirits, especially the spirits of the dead, can communicate with the living. In the historical context of spiritualism, a spiritualist might claim to receive messages from the deceased or describe such communication as occurring through a medium. The term can refer either to an adherent of the belief or to someone who actively practices it. It rose to particular prominence during the international spiritualist movement of the 19th century. Today, “spiritualist” is less common than the broader word “medium” and can sometimes carry a skeptical or historical tone. The related word “spiritualism” names the belief system or practice rather than the person who holds or performs it.
A person who believes that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living, especially a practitioner or supporter of spiritualism.
"The spiritualist held séances in an attempt to contact the dead."
The word is used especially in historical accounts of spiritualism and in discussions of mediumship.
Relating to spiritualism or to spiritualists.
"The archive contains correspondence from several prominent spiritualist movements."
This adjectival use is less common than the noun and is often encountered in historical writing.
Plural is used for multiple people who practice or support spiritualism.
"Several spiritualists defended their claims before the committee."
Spiritualism became a prominent international movement in the 19th century, with practitioners claiming that the spirits of the dead could speak through mediums.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spiritualist come from?
“Spiritualist” was formed in the early 19th century from “spiritual” and the suffix “-ist,” meaning a person who follows or represents a principle or practice. Its development was closely associated with the movement called spiritualism, which claimed that the spirits of the dead could communicate with the living. The word “spiritual” ultimately derives from Latin spiritualis, meaning “of breath, spirit, or soul.”
Related word forms
How spiritualist is actually used
In modern usage, the term is chiefly associated with spiritualism and may sound historical or slightly skeptical to some speakers. It should not be used as a neutral substitute for a person from a particular religious or cultural tradition unless that person practices spiritualism.
Easily confused with spiritualist
A spiritualist is a person who believes in or practices spiritualism, whereas spiritualism is the belief system or practice itself.