superstition

UK: /ˌsuːpə^rˈstɪʃ^ən/

US: /ˌsupɚˈstɪʃən/

US: (so̅o̅′pər stish′ən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

su•per•sti•tion /ˌsupɚˈstɪʃən/   n. 

1. an irrational belief in something, esp. such a belief when it is based on magic:
   [countable] Some common superstitions involve a black cat crossing one's path or, walking under an open ladder.
2. a system or collection of such beliefs:
   [uncountable] Baseball players place a lot of emphasis on superstition.

See -stit-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

su•per•sti•tion  (so̅o̅′pər stish′ən), n. 

1. a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.
2. a system or collection of such beliefs.
3. a custom or act based on such a belief.
4. irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, esp. in connection with religion.
5. any blindly accepted belief or notion.

• Latin superstitiōn- (stem of superstitiō), equivalent. to superstit- (stem of superstes) standing beyond, outliving (super- super- + -stit-, combining form of stat-, adjective, adjectival derivative of stāre to stand) + -iōn- -ion
• late Middle English 1375–1425

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

superstition / ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃən/ noun

1. irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc
2. a notion, act or ritual that derives from such belief
3. any irrational belief, esp with regard to the unknown

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin superstitiō dread of the supernatural, from superstāre to stand still by something (as in amazement)