noun / adjective / verb

voodoo

Supposed supernatural influence over people or events.

She blames voodoo for the string of accidents at work.

Etymology

The religious name was broadened in English to supposed magical influence. This generalized use does not capture the full beliefs and practices of the religion.

More examples

  • No amount of financial voodoo can make those debts disappear.
  • The report relies on voodoo math to hide the losses.
  • He jokes that someone has voodooed his unlucky team.

Forms

voodoo · voodoos · voodooed · voodooing

Similar words

magic
Broader term for supernatural power, without necessarily suggesting dubious methods.
sorcery
Emphasizes deliberate use of spells rather than unexplained influence.