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

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

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

From Barron's

"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

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

They added that they would organise programmes in rural areas to raise awareness against superstitions.

From BBC