From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsuperstitionsu‧per‧sti‧tion /ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃən $ -pər-/ ●○○ noun [countable, uncountable] RFBELIEVEa belief that some objects or actions are lucky or unlucky, or that they cause events to happen, based on old ideas of magic the old superstition that walking under a ladder is unlucky
Examples from the Corpus
superstition• It was all very well to laugh at ancient superstitions by light of day and in company.• The game is filled with creatures of habit and superstition.• Some scientists view all religion as superstition.• Good luck, bad luck, an elaborate system of beliefs, superstitions, symbols.• The ill are no longer ostracized as moral pariahs except by a few remaining primitive tribes ruled by superstition.• There is a widely held superstition that garlic protects against evil.• It's an old superstition that walking under a ladder is unlucky.• No magic or superstition could get him out now.• Even during the Reformation it was biblical scenes likely to promote superstition and idolatry that came down.• These natives are riddled with superstition.Origin superstition (1400-1500) Old French Latin superstitio, from superstes “standing over someone”, from stare “to stand” 