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

Walking under a ladder: This superstition stems from the idea that walking under a ladder disrupts the triangle, a symbol of life, and invites misfortune. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Dec. 2024

The fear and superstition that is associated with the number 13 is nothing new and fairly common in all walks of life. —Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 13 Dec. 2024

Here's how many Friday the 13th days there were in 2024, how many there will be next year, and a look at the history and superstitions to look out for on Friday the 13th. —Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024

Friday the 13th superstitions Here are some common superstitions associated with bad luck on Friday the 13th: Breaking a mirror: Breaking a mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck, so handle glass carefully today. —Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 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