superstition
UK: ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃən | US: ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən
n. 1. A belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance.
n. 2. Irrational reverence or awe of the supernatural.
n. 3. A widely held but unjustified idea or conviction.
The word "superstition" originates from Latin superstitio, combining super- (meaning "above" or "beyond") and -stitio (from stare, "to stand"). Originally, it referred to excessive religious awe or practices "standing over" rational belief. Over time, it evolved to denote irrational or unfounded beliefs, often tied to folklore or fear of the supernatural. The morpheme super- implies something beyond the ordinary, while -stit- suggests a fixed or persistent idea, reflecting how superstitions endure culturally despite lacking logical basis.
Breaking a mirror is often considered a superstition that brings seven years of bad luck.
Some athletes follow superstitions, like wearing lucky socks, before important games.
The villagers clung to ancient superstitions about the forest being haunted.
Modern science has debunked many medical superstitions from the past.
Her fear of black cats was dismissed as mere superstition by her friends.