dybbuk

noun dyb·buk \ ˈdi-bək \

|Updated on: 14 Jul 2018

Definition of dybbuk

plural dybbukim play \ˌdi-bu̇-ˈkēm\ also dybbuks

: a wandering soul believed in Jewish folklore to enter and control a living body until exorcised by a religious rite

Recent Examples of dybbuk from the Web

When a little girl named Em unleashes a demon called the dybbuk—the taker of children—and becomes possessed, a series of scream-out-loud moments follow. 2.

— noelle devoe, Seventeen, "15 Best Halloween Movies On Netflix Right Now," 8 Oct. 2014
The 48-minute, nine-part ballet takes its musical and choreographic impetus from the notion of the dybbuk, a lost and restless spirit found in Central-European Jewish folklore.

— robert greskovic, WSJ, "A Celebration of Jerome Robbins," 8 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dybbuk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.