superstition

noun su·per·sti·tion \ ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən \

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Examples: superstition in a Sentence

Definition of superstition

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

See superstition defined for English-language learners

See superstition defined for kids

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 of superstition from the Web

Despite the stifling humidity and upper-70 degree weather, the coach cited superstition as his reason for wearing a long-sleeve, button-down shirt.

— danielle lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville City FC keeps passing the tests in its U.S. Open Cup run," 21 June 2018
There’s a little luck, too, and a silly superstition.

— ross dellenger, SI.com, "How Mississippi State Baseball Turned a Season That Began in Humiliation Into a Trip to Omaha," 15 June 2018
Like the anti-Semitism that almost invariably accompanies it, anti-capitalism is a superstition, a religious conviction that is absolutely impervious to argument and evidence.

— kevin d. williamson, National Review, "Will the Liberals Take the Lead on Trade?," 25 Jan. 2018
Meanwhile, Westropp’s family — affluent landowners at Patrickswell, Limerick, since the sixteenth century — had a much closer brush with changeling superstitions than the one recalled above.

— Longreads, "Fairy Scapegoats: A History of the Persecution of Changeling Children," 9 June 2018
However, there is one superstition which everybody can agree on: Don't touch the trophy before a final!

— CNN, "'Touching the trophy' curse strikes again in Europa League final?," 17 May 2018
To modern scientists and physicians, these early efforts at mixing odd ingredients are seen as little more than superstition.

— tom avril, Philly.com, "Scans reveal secrets of medieval 'Harry Potter' book and medical texts at Penn," 14 May 2018
Scott Springer on Dustin Horter's distance running achievements The Enquirer/Scott Springer Lakota East senior Dustin Horter is not one for superstitions.

— shelby dermer, Cincinnati.com, "Lakota East's Horter: "Come in every day with a mindset that you're not the best"," 3 May 2018
But Verdù believes careful research will ultimately break through the superstitions.

— kelly servick, Science | AAAS, "What’s really behind ‘gluten sensitivity’?," 23 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of superstition

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

SUPERSTITION Defined for English Language Learners

superstition

noun

Definition of superstition for English Language Learners

: a belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck : a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck

SUPERSTITION Defined for Kids

superstition

noun su·per·sti·tion \ ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən \

Definition of superstition for Students

: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance It's a superstition that the number 13 is unlucky.