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

No longer were gremlins only representative of niche superstitions held by nervous military airmen. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2024

Intolerance, superstition, hostility towards all things foreign and diabolical intrigues at the royal court are his biggest enemies. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024

Denial, mixed with superstition, took the place of facts, allowing society to function despite the ever-present risks of death and disability. —Robert Pearl, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

Apart from being a horror movie franchise, Friday the 13th is said to conjure superstitions, legends, and even some bad luck. —Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 13 Sep. 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