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

Essay Behind the Draped Mirror Colin Dickey Covering mirrors while in mourning has a curious ambivalence: both ritual and superstition, a way of honoring the dead and warding them off, a vow that hides within the fear of something going wrong. —Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 4 Jan. 2025

Sometimes a fantastic conversation or moment of self-care is better than a lukewarm kiss—regardless of what tradition or superstition has to say on the matter. —Gia Yetikyel, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024

Contrary to superstition, Friday the 13th (of December) was not an unlucky day for Morat. —Natalia Cano, Billboard, 14 Dec. 2024

Like other sports devotees, Alana’s family believes the success of their beloved team relies on a superstition: Someone in their family must be wearing a special knit hat on Christmas Day. —Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 30 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