noun
superstition
soo-puh-STIH-shuhn
noun
1
A belief in supernatural forces or luck that isn't based on evidence or reason.
"It's just superstition, but he never travels on Friday the 13th."
"Many old sailing superstitions warned against whistling on a ship."
How to Use Superstition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn irrational belief, often about luck, omens, or the supernatural.
Common mistake
Not the same as a religion or tradition in general — superstition specifically implies the belief lacks a rational basis.
Common pairings
a common superstition
out of superstition
old wives' superstition
Word Forms
superstitions plural
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Etymology
From Latin superstitio, from superstare ("to stand over/survive") + -tio; the sense shifted from "excessive religious awe" to irrational belief.