superstition

[soo-per-stish-uhn]

noun

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.

superstition

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superstition¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superstition¹

C15: from Latin superstitiō dread of the supernatural, from superstāre to stand still by something (as in amazement)

Example Sentences

The Argentine author, whose writing habitually draws on the uncanny, here delivers a blend of superstition, dread and a leitmotif of mental instability in a register of acute psychological realism.

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Equally, they are tools for establishing superstitions, glorifying despots and dignifying atrocity.

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For Ade, it was not superstition but a business expense.

Read more on BBC

We are overwhelmed by suspicion and superstition alike — and I’m not just talking about RFK Jr.

Read more on Salon

Leroy, observing an old superstition, made an oath to the awakening cicadas that he will turn himself in if he’s given the chance to make peace with Berta.

Read more on Los Angeles Times