superstition

American  

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

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.

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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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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

“I put my hand on my lid, I look down, and I close my eyes,” Cervantes said of his superstition.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Death penalty cases related to foreign culture, religion and "superstition" jumped by 250 percent after the border closure.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Donatello, the embodiment of an Old World defined more by superstition than piety and by tradition than goodness, lacks the character to withstand Miriam’s inner darkness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Lindo starts rapping on the wood table separating us and doesn’t stop until I ask if he’s a man given to superstition.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2026

Wishing to speak for proof of companionship, and knowing his delight in tales of superstition, I asked him, “Is your rifle anointed with luck grease?”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson