superstition
Americannoun
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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.
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a system or collection of such beliefs.
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a custom or act based on such a belief.
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irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, especially in connection with religion.
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any blindly accepted belief or notion.
noun
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irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc
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a notion, act or ritual that derives from such belief
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any irrational belief, esp with regard to the unknown
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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?
Vocabulary lists containing superstition
Friday the 13th
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"The Pit and the Pendulum," Vocabulary from the short story
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Flush
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The beat of Stevie Wonder's 1972 hit "Superstition" is approximately 1.6 Hz, while Anna Karina's 1967 smash "Roller Girl" clocks in at 2 Hz.
From Science Daily • May 28, 2024
Dodson’s film and TV credits also include the 1985 horror flick “Day of the Dead,” the History Channel treasure-hunting series “Legend of the Superstition Mountains” and the 1990s Disney cartoon “Darkwing Duck.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2024
The men were accused of involvement in a Telegram channel called “Critique of Superstition and Religion,” according to the U.S.
From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023
Boutier held the lead after three rounds at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club and set up a play-off after carding a four-under 68.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2023
Superstition was a widely available nostrum for people powerless against the miseries of famine, pestilence and deadly doctrinal conflict.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
