superstition
Americannoun
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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.
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a system or collection of such beliefs.
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a custom or act based on such a belief.
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irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, especially in connection with religion.
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any blindly accepted belief or notion.
noun
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irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc
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a notion, act or ritual that derives from such belief
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any irrational belief, esp with regard to the unknown
Etymology
Origin of superstition
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The UK, and Wales in particular, has a long, rich, and sometimes complex history with religious belief, superstition, and tradition, all of which can be experienced during a wedding," Thomas added.
From BBC
Donatello, the embodiment of an Old World defined more by superstition than piety and by tradition than goodness, lacks the character to withstand Miriam’s inner darkness.
They added that they would organise programmes in rural areas to raise awareness against superstitions.
From BBC
Lindo starts rapping on the wood table separating us and doesn’t stop until I ask if he’s a man given to superstition.
From Los Angeles Times
According to superstition, each animal has its animal friends and its animal enemies.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
