superstition

noun

su·​per·​sti·​tion ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən How to pronounce superstition (audio)
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 So, while today is for talking about superstitions, in tech, knocking on wood is a year-round endeavor. Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 13 Sep. 2024 The 2021 study examined more than 200 popular superstitions by determining which terms and phrases were popular in each state through a Google search analysis. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2024 According to Michigan State University's Plant and Pest Diagnostic website, the name earwig comes from a superstition that the creature would crawl into a person's ear and lay eggs. Eric Guzmán, Detroit Free Press, 20 July 2024 The world around him is hyperreal, and Ortega really digs into the superstition and rituals of horse racing. Damon Wise, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for superstition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superstition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of superstition was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near superstition

Cite this Entry

“Superstition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstition. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

superstition

noun
su·​per·​sti·​tion ˌsü-pər-ˈstish-ən How to pronounce superstition (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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