occult

[uh-kuhlt, ok-uhlt]

adjective

1. of or relating to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.

2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.

   Synonyms: supernatural, metaphysical, esoteric, arcane

3. secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated.

   Synonyms: kabbalistic, mystical, veiled, unrevealed

4. hidden from view; concealed.

5. (in early science)

   1. not apparent on mere inspection but discoverable by experimentation.

   2. of a nature not understood, as physical qualities.

   3. dealing with such qualities; experimental.

      occult science.

6. Medicine/Medical.,  present in amounts too small to be visible.

   a chemical test to detect occult blood in the stool.

noun

1. Usually the occult

   1. the supernatural or supernatural agencies and affairs considered as a whole.

   2. occult studies or sciences.

verb (used with object)

1. to block or shut off (an object) from view; hide.

2. Astronomy.,  to hide (a celestial body) by occultation.

verb (used without object)

1. to become hidden or shut off from view.

occult

adjective

1. 1. of or characteristic of magical, mystical, or supernatural arts, phenomena, or influences

   2. ( as noun )

      the occult

2. beyond ordinary human understanding

3. secret or esoteric

verb

1. astronomy (of a celestial body) to hide (another celestial body) from view by occultation or (of a celestial body) to become hidden by occultation

2. to hide or become hidden or shut off from view

3. (intr) (of lights, esp in lighthouses) to shut off at regular intervals

Other Word Forms

• occulter noun
• occultly adverb
• occultness noun
• nonoccult adjective
• nonocculting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of occult¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin occultus (past participle of occulere “to hide from view, cover up”), equivalent to oc- “to, toward, over” + -cul-, akin to cēlāre “to hide” + -tus past participle suffix; oc-, conceal

Word History and Origins

Origin of occult¹

C16: from Latin occultus, past participle of occulere, from ob- over, up + -culere, related to celāre to conceal

Example Sentences

Among the policies of this new regime would be the “death penalty” for an “occult element at the high levels of society, specifically among the Jews,” that is “suppressing” Christianity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He calls for “the death penalty” for an “occult element at the high levels of society, specifically among the Jews,” that is “suppressing” Christianity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

To stop Mocata from using Simon to bring about an apocalypse, Rex and the Duke enlist their own occult knowledge against evil spirits, mind-control, demonic horses and the Devil himself.

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Yet it resonates, albeit vague and unexplored, with biblical references to goat offerings and images of Jesus as a sacrificial lamb and the movie’s visual allusions to the goat-headed occult idol Baphomet.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Cult members who all lived there took part in a catalogue of abuse against children and young adults, with victims saying the group used occult writings and practices to "brainwash" them and justify their abuse.

Read more on BBC