Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Superstition

Suˊper-sti′tion

,
Noun.
[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
.]
1.
An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which is unknown or mysterious.
2.
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.
And the truth
With
superstitions
and traditions taint.
Milton.
3.
The worship of a false god or gods; false religion; religious veneration for objects.
[The accusers] had certain questions against him of their own
superstition
.
Acts xxv. 19.
4.
Belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in magic, omens, prognostics, or the like.
5.
Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness.
Syn. – Fanaticism.
Superstition
,
Fanaticism
. Superstition springs from religious feeling misdirected or unenlightened. Fanaticism arises from this same feeling in a state of high-wrought and self-confident excitement. The former leads in some cases to excessive rigor in religious opinions or practice; in others, to unfounded belief in extraordinary events or in charms, omens, and prognostics, hence producing weak fears, or excessive scrupulosity as to outward observances. The latter gives rise to an utter disregard of reason under the false assumption of enjoying a guidance directly inspired. Fanaticism has a secondary sense as applied to politics, etc., which corresponds to the primary.

Webster 1828 Edition


Superstition

SUPERSTI'TION

,
Noun.
[L. superstitio, supersto; super and sto, to stand.]
1.
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; excess or extravagance in religion; the doing of things not required by God, or abstaining from things not forbidden; or the belief of what is absurd, or belief without evidence.
Superstition has reference to god, to religion, or to beings superior to man.
2.
False religion; false worship.
3.
Rite or practice proceeding from excess of scruples in religion. In this sense, it admits of a plural.
They the truth
With superstitions and traditions taint.
4.
Excessive nicety; scrupulous exactness.
5.
Belief in the direct agency of superior powers in certain extraordinary or singular events, or in omens and prognostics.

Definition 2024


superstition

superstition

See also: supèrstition

English

Noun

superstition (plural superstitions)

  1. A belief, not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, that future events may be influenced by one's behaviour in some magical or mystical way.

Related terms

Translations


French

Pronunciation

Noun

superstition f (plural superstitions)

  1. superstition