apotropaic

[ ap-uh-truh-pey-ik ]

/ ˌæp ə trəˈpeɪ ɪk /

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adjective

intended to ward off evil.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of apotropaic

1880–85; <Greek apotrópai(os) averting evil (see apo-, trope) + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM apotropaic

ap·o·tro·pa·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby apotropaic

apothecium, apothegm, apothem, apotheosis, apotheosize, apotropaic, apotropaism, app, appal, Appalachia, Appalachian

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use apotropaic in a sentence

Examples of human apotropaic vehicles occur in the ancient civilized world.
Introduction to the History of Religions|Crawford Howell Toy
But the term "apotropaic" is generally used of expulsive ceremonies in which a whole community takes part.
Introduction to the History of Religions|Crawford Howell Toy

British Dictionary definitions for apotropaic

apotropaic

/ (ˌæpəʊtrəˈpeɪɪk) /

adjective

preventing or intended to prevent evil

Word Origin for apotropaic

C19: from Greek apotropaios turning away (evil), from apotrepein; see apo-, trope

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012