n., pl., -ma·ta (-mə-tə).
- A rare personal quality attributed to leaders who arouse fervent popular devotion and enthusiasm.
- Personal magnetism or charm: a television news program famed for the charisma of its anchors.
- Christianity. An extraordinary power, such as the ability to perform miracles, granted by the Holy Spirit.
[Greek kharisma, divine favor, from kharizesthai, to favor, from kharis, favor.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
