superstition

noun

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 The superstition may be traced back to the fear that embodied in the rocks are the unlucky souls unable to make the journey to the afterlife. — Washington Post, 30 July 2021 The problem with the iPhone 13 naming structure has to do with superstition. — Chris Smith, BGR, 5 July 2021 The ignorance and superstition of some humans give it fictional medicinal properties. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 21 June 2021 That, in turn, influenced culture and politics, with especially high lethality, when Europe was riven by wars, superstition and intergroup strife. — Washington Post, 16 July 2021 Sure, tall tales are hard to believe for a reason, but a town known as the murder capitol of America would surely lead to higher-than-usual levels of superstition among the populace. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 July 2021 Fifteen months ago, live theaters nationwide went dark, with actors and scenery replaced by ghost lights, the bare-bulb lamps that, according to theatrical superstition, keep the spirits at bay until life can return. — David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2021 Apple has a long history with its iPhone naming structure, and while the company shouldn’t adhere to it blindly, deviating from it due to a somewhat obscure superstition seems unwise. — Yoni Heisler, BGR, 23 June 2021 After the Age of Enlightenment liberated the medical profession from rank superstition, treatments of erectile dysfunction got less absurd—sort of. — Matthew Hongoltz-hetling, The New Republic, 23 June 2021

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

superstimulate

superstition

superstitionist

Statistics for superstition

Last Updated

4 Aug 2021

Cite this Entry

“Superstition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstition. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.

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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.