voodoo
UK: ˈvuːduː | US: ˈvuːduː
n. a religion practiced chiefly in the Caribbean, especially Haiti, involving witchcraft and animistic deities
n. a person who practices voodoo
vt. to affect or control someone as if by voodoo
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The word "voodoo" originates from the West African vodun, meaning "deity" or "spirit" in the Fon language of Benin. It entered English via Louisiana Creole and Haitian Creole (vodou), reflecting the syncretic blend of African animism and Catholicism. The reduplicative "-oo" suffix is typical in African languages to emphasize spiritual or ritualistic concepts. The term evolved in English to describe both the religion and its perceived mystical influence.
She studied voodoo rituals during her anthropology fieldwork in Haiti.
The villagers believed the shaman could voodoo their enemies.
Hollywood often misrepresents voodoo as dark magic.
He wore a charm to protect himself from voodoo spells.
The museum exhibited artifacts from voodoo ceremonies.