superstition

[soo-per-stish-uhn]

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.

superstition

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superstition¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of superstition¹

C15: from Latin superstitiō dread of the supernatural, from superstāre to stand still by something (as in amazement)

Example Sentences

Leroy, observing an old superstition, made an oath to the awakening cicadas that he will turn himself in if he’s given the chance to make peace with Berta.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any seasoned football fan, Alex has, over the years, developed a few superstitions that will be in play on Sunday ahead of the match.

From BBC

Why it should infect nations that are prosperous, ostensibly well educated, and with civil societies that have supposedly developed beyond tribal superstition is a mystery that has never been explained.

From Salon

Going back centuries, local Buganda cultural superstition also protected the elegant fowl, which was seen as a symbol of wealth, good fortune and longevity.

From BBC

She was told there was a local superstition against women eating them, over debunked claims it may lead to conjoined twins.

From BBC