superstition

(noun)

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

Examples of superstition in the following topics:

  • Beliefs

    • Religious adherents often distinguish their own religious beliefs from superstition.
    • Both superstition and many traditional religions are non-materialistic, do not see the world as being subject to laws of cause and effect, and presume that there are immaterial forces influencing our lives.
    • Both religion and superstition seek meaning in otherwise random and chaotic events.
    • However, the term "superstition" refers to what the speaker sees as excessive or false religious behavior as opposed to belief or behavior within a proper or accepted religious standard.