superstition

noun

su·​per·​sti·​tion ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən 

1

a

: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation

b

: an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition

2

: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary

Examples of superstition in a Sentence

It is a common superstition that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck.

tales of superstition, witchcraft, and magic

Recent Examples on the Web

By using a Google search analytics to identify the most common terms and phrases in each state, the 2021 study looked at over 200 common superstitions. —Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Friday is the last Friday the 13th of the year, a time for superstitions and spooky fears. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024

Burying The Bourbon Is A Southern Tradition While some superstitions are universal, burying the bourbon is decidedly Southern. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024

Under the guise of superstition, King's character dons a half-face of face paint in her team's colors throughout the entire football season — including while meeting Laviscount's character's parents. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English supersticion, from Anglo-French, from Latin superstition-, superstitio, from superstit-, superstes standing over (as witness or survivor), from super- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

superstition

noun

su·​per·​sti·​tion ˌsü-pər-ˈstish-ən 

1

: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic

2

: an unreasoning fear of nature, the unknown, or God resulting from superstition