What is the word for giving a non-living or non-human thing human characteristics?

Answer 1

When we attribute human characteristics to a non-human or non-living thing, it's called anthropomorphism, for example: the cruel wind; the merciful rain; the sly fox; the smiling dog; the smug cat.

The prefix anthropo- comes from Greek via Indo-European roots, meaning man(kind), plus -morph, meaning form.

Sometimes the term used in similar context is personification; this is especially appropriate when non-human characteristics are ascribed to a human, for example: he is kindness itself; she is a rock; and in expressions where human emotions or actions are attributed to non-human things, for example: the dancing flowers; hovering death; or when attributing intent, as in: the oven burnt him, the rock tripped her.

Answer 2

Its called personification

Answer 3

Anthropomorphism

Answer 4

personification

Answer 5

onomatoepaeia