superstition

American  

[soo-per-stish-uhn] / ˌsu pərˈstɪʃ ən /

noun

• superstitions
  plural

1. a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.

2. a system or collection of such beliefs.

3. a custom or act based on such a belief.

4. irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, especially in connection with religion.

5. any blindly accepted belief or notion.

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superstition British  

/ ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃən /

noun

1. irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc

2. a notion, act or ritual that derives from such belief

3. any irrational belief, esp with regard to the unknown

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• superstitions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of superstition

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin superstitiōn-, stem of superstitiō, from superstit-, stem of superstes “standing beyond, outliving” (from super- super- + -stes, combining form of stāre “to stand”) + -iō -ion

Explanation

A superstition is a belief or practice that isn’t entirely based on facts or reality, like carrying a rabbit’s foot because you think it brings you good fortune, or believing that Friday the 13th is a day of bad luck. When you pick up a penny, is it because you’re poor or do you think it’s lucky? If the quickest route makes you walk under a ladder, will you do it even though it’s bad luck? These are two examples of superstitions, irrational decisions we make for some weird reason. The Latin roots of the word translate as “standing over,” like how you freeze standing over a broken mirror. Don’t worry, it’s only a superstition, right?

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

superstition superstitions

In the Congo, deep distrust and superstition are impeding efforts to contain Ebola.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

The superstition goes that the leader must burn off bad luck, leaving only good fortune for the mission.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 11, 2026

We’ll all find out together if, with the original stock market superstition, life actually imitates art.

From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026

According to superstition, each animal has its animal friends and its animal enemies.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 10, 2026

“It’s only superstition if you don’t believe, Mr. Gideon.”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

His obsessive court rituals — including meticulously aligning his water bottles and executing his precise pre-point routines — were not merely superstitions, but coping mechanisms in a high-stress, solitary sport.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

Even after Mr. Newman has done his best to demystify the creative life, he may not convince everyone to reject their rituals and superstitions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

Senyi Ngaga, a district commissioner of one of the areas prone to attacks, says government education campaigns have raised understanding, but rural areas remain vulnerable to superstitions as well as discrimination.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2025

In response, villagers clung to ancient superstitions to save rescued children.

From BBC ● Jan. 26, 2025

“I thought your brother’s superstitions drove you crazy.”

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass