superstitious
Americanadjective
-
of the nature of, characterized by, or proceeding from superstition.
superstitious fears.
-
pertaining to or connected with superstition.
superstitious legends.
-
believing in, full of, or influenced by superstition.
adjective
-
disposed to believe in superstition
-
of or relating to superstition
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of superstitious
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English supersticious, from Latin superstitiōsus, from superstiti(ō) superstition + -ōsus -ous
Explanation
Superstitious describes a belief in chance or magic. If you're superstitious, you may avoid walking under ladders, spilling salt, or passing black cats — all because you think they will bring you bad luck. Plenty of people don't think of themselves as superstitious, yet they may do things like knock on wood or refuse to open an umbrella indoors. Or they believe their team will win if they wear their lucky socks. These actions are all superstitious, demonstrating a belief based on magic or luck rather than on reason. The Latin word that superstitious comes from is superstitionem, excessive fear of the gods.
Vocabulary lists containing superstitious
The First Rule of Punk
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
With the Fire on High
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The View from Saturday
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 pressure is so great that some superstitious students avoid washing their hair or trimming their nails as the single exam day every November approaches—fearful knowledge might slip away.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026
The superstitious Sonoda wears the same pair of lucky underwear on days Yamamoto pitches.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2025
If Los Angeles is acting a little superstitious this week, blame it on the Dodgers.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025
They added that some cases involved self-staged abductions, while others arose from romantic relationships gone sour, superstitious beliefs and property disputes.
From BBC • Sep. 2, 2025
I am not superstitious and do not believe in omens, but the death of the snake did not please me.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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.
