superstitiosus

prophetic; full of supernatural dread

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An older woman reacts to spilled salt by anxiously tossing a pinch over her left shoulder, depicting a recognizable ritual intended to ward off bad luck.

adjective

superstitious

soo-pur-STISH-us/ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/

Believing in or based on unfounded ideas about omens, luck, or supernatural influences.

Etymology

superstitiousLatinprophetic; full of supernatural dread

Latin superstitiosus expressed dread of the supernatural. In English, the adjective came to describe not just beliefs involving magic or supernatural powers, but also the people who hold or practise them.

Full entry

Related word entries

superstitious