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Glite Dictionary
psychopomp

psychopomp

1 9.9
A spirit or god who guides dead people to the afterlife
  • noun
  • /ˈsaɪkoʊˌpɑmp/
  • Literature
: psicopompo
  • The psychopomp is often depicted in art as a figure leading the deceased toward their final resting place.

Examples

  • And Susan is becoming vaguely conscious of her enormous luck here, falling into the hands of a true guide and psychopomp.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • In ancient mythology, Hermes served as a psychopomp, guiding souls to the underworld.

  • Many cultures believe that a psychopomp helps the souls of the departed find peace in the afterlife.

Surface Forms

psychopomp singular
psychopomps plural

Etymology

Psychopomp comes from Greek parts psyche ('soul') and pompe ('escort' or 'sending') and you see psyche in psychology. So a psychopomp is a 'soul escort' who guides souls to the afterlife.