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

After that elimination, Chandler developed a superstition of never again giving pre-match interviews - as the last time he did so was before the 4-0 defeat.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 26, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Mar. 13, 2026

"The UK, and Wales in particular, has a long, rich, and sometimes complex history with religious belief, superstition, and tradition, all of which can be experienced during a wedding," Thomas added.

From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2026

I don’t know if it was superstition or what, but if my father said “death” you can bet two seconds later spit would be flying out his mouth.

From "The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother" by James McBride

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

Tell us your superstitions, and we might share your story in a future article.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2025

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

The most telling of all the squad's superstitions is that of captain Zoe Aldcroft.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2025

Even today, some of these numerological superstitions are not dead.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos