pathetic fallacy

Pathetic fallacy is the attachment of a human emotion or quality to nature or inanimate objects.

(noun)

An example of pathetic fallacy is calling a tornado angry.

See pathetic fallacy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

in literature, the attribution of human feelings and characteristics to inanimate things (Ex.: the angry sea, a stubborn door)

Origin: first used by J. Ruskin

See pathetic fallacy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The attribution of human emotions or characteristics to inanimate objects or to nature; for example, angry clouds; a cruel wind.

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