Get Affordable VMs - excellent virtual server hosting


browse words by letter
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

superstitionmore about superstition

superstition

 

  2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Superstition  \Su`per*sti"tion\,  n.  [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. 
 
  Usage:  {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. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  superstition 
  n  :  an  irrational  belief  arising  from  ignorance  or  fear  [syn:  {superstitious 
  notion}]




more about superstition