superstition
UK /ˌs(j)uː.pə(ɹ)ˈstɪ.ʃən/ · US /ˌs(j)u.pɚˈstɪ.ʃən/ noun
Forms superstitions
- noun (derogatory) A belief considered to be irrational, unfounded, or based solely on fear and ignorance, particularly credulous reverence towards and belief in supernatural forces.
- noun (archaic) Excessive nicety; overscrupulousness.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle French superstition, from Latin superstitio (“superstition”), from superstāre (“to stand above, to stand upon, to survive”) + -tiō (“-tion: forming nouns”), from super- (“above, over, upon”) + stāre (“to stand”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious.
- noun An ignorant or irrational worship of the Supreme Deity; excessive exactness or rigor in religious opinions or practice; extreme and unnecessary scruples in the observance of religious rites not commanded, or of points of minor importance; also, a rite or practice proceeding from excess of sculptures in religion.
Etymology [F. superstition, L. superstitio, originally, a standing still over or by a thing; hence, amazement, wonder, dread, especially of the divine or supernatural, fr. superstare to stand over; super over + stare to stand. See Super-, and Stand.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “superstition”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details