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

The Next Warren Buffett Curse,” or the superstition that those anointed with the title are doomed to fall short, might not be real.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Among them is avoiding seaweed soup for lunch, as its slippery strands are believed to make students "slip" in the high-stakes test -- a superstition that has long shaped test-day menus.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

But then, much later, another rather curious idea arose, an assault by mysticism and superstition into what had been largely an empirical science.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan