jinx

American  

[jingks] / dʒɪŋks /

verb (used with object)

1. to bring bad luck to; curse.

   According to tradition, wishing an actor “good luck” before a show will jinx their performance.

   That place on the corner seems jinxed—no business ever stays there for long.

2. to destroy the point of.

   His sudden laugh jinxed the host's joke.

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noun

1. a person, thing, or influence supposed to bring bad luck.

   They said I was a jinx, because every time I came to see them play, they lost.

interjection

1. (used after two people say exactly the same thing at exactly the same time).

   I’ll drive—jinx! Great minds think alike!

jinx British  

/ dʒɪŋks /

noun

1. an unlucky or malevolent force, person, or thing

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verb

1. (tr) to be or put a jinx on

Other Word Forms

• outjinx verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of jinx

An Americanism first recorded in 1910–15; perhaps from Latin jynx “wryneck” (bird used in divination and magic), from Greek íynx, perhaps from or akin to iýzein “to shout, yell”

Example Sentences

Rose Parade officials — though they would rather not jinx it — say they are prepared for a soaking.

From Los Angeles Times

Once again, Bill Plaschke has literally jinxed another Southern California sports team with his proclamation questions regarding the Rams:

From Los Angeles Times

The Rams are going to win it all, and before you cry jinx, understand that this is just putting into words what many already are thinking.

From Los Angeles Times

Christie joked that he feared he had "jinxed" Scotland's draw.

From BBC

"I don't want to jinx it, but I feel like it's gone very, very well," says Ricky.

From BBC

Related Words

• hex