superstition

su·per·sti·tion | \ ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən

Definition of superstition

1a : 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 Egyptian priests used them to play on the superstitions of their people. — Vladimir Nabokov, The New Yorker, "Man and Things," 8 Nov. 2019 When it isn’t motivated by profit, this overtreatment seems to result from superstition. . . — Lidija Haas, Harper's magazine, "New Books," 28 Oct. 2019 And of course, there's plenty of (non-scientific) human superstition surrounding Friday the 13th and full moons. — Emma Keith, Detroit Free Press, "Friday the 13th to bring an extra twist: A full moon," 11 Sep. 2019 History is filled with the rituals, superstitions, recognition and ceremonies associated with winter and summer solstice and the vernal and autumnal equinox. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Tune in to nature to sense seasons’ subtle changes," 24 Aug. 2019 The immigrant generation brought with them their old beliefs, superstitions, religious rituals. — Melissa Chan, Time, "George Takei on His Own Experiences in an Internment Camp and New Show The Terror: Infamy," 15 Aug. 2019 However, there was, at one point, a pro-13 club It was called, unsurprisingly, the Thirteen Club, and its stated mission was to improve the standing of the holiday and also flout all manner of superstitions. — Alex Heigl, PEOPLE.com, "9 Pieces of Friday the 13th Trivia to Help You Through this Accursed Day," 13 Sep. 2019 Though Klopp had implemented the regulation because of his own superstitions, plenty of fortune has come the club's way since van Dijk's error. — SI.com, "Virgil Van Dijk Reveals How He Broke One of Jurgen Klopp's Rules Before Making Liverpool Debut," 16 Sep. 2019 Related Stories The superstition surrounding Friday the 13th has a lot to do with the Bible and Norse mythology. — Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "On Friday the 13th, See a Full 'Micromoon' Tonight," 13 Sep. 2019

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.

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Dictionary Entries near superstition

Superstition Mountains

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Last Updated

30 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Superstition.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstition. Accessed 11 December 2019.

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More Definitions for superstition

superstition

noun

English Language Learners Definition of superstition

: 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

See the full definition for superstition in the English Language Learners Dictionary

superstition

noun

su·per·sti·tion | \ ˌsü-pər-ˈsti-shən

Kids Definition of superstition

: 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.

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