Word Meanings - SUPERSTITION - Book Publishers vocabulary database

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-, 1. An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which

Additional info about word: SUPERSTITION

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-, 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. 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.

Possible synonyms: (Same meaning words of SUPERSTITION)

• Bigotry
• Prejudice
• Pharisaism
• obstinacy
• credulity
• fanaticism
• intolerance
• superstition
• Fanaticism
• Frenzy
• enthusiasm
• bigotry

Related words: (words related to SUPERSTITION)

• SUPERSTITIONIST
  One addicted to superstition. "Blind superstitionists." Dr. H. More.
• CREDULITY
  Readiness of belief; a disposition to believe on slight evidence. That implict credulity is the mark of a feeble mind will not be disputed. Sir W. Hamilton.
• OBSTINACY
  1. A fixedness in will, opinion, or resolution that can not be shaken at all, or only with great difficulty; firm and usually unreasonable adherence to an opinion, purpose, or system; unyielding disposition; stubborness; pertinacity; persistency;
• PHARISAISM
  1. The notions, doctrines, and conduct of the Pharisees, as a sect. Sharp. 2. Rigid observance of external forms of religion, without genuine piety; hypocrisy in religion; a censorious, self-righteous spirit in matters of morals or manners. "A
• ENTHUSIASM
  1. Inspiration as if by a divine or superhuman power; ecstasy; hence, a conceit of divine possession and revelation, or of being directly subject to some divine impulse. Enthusiasm is founded neither on reason nor divine revelation, but rises from
• FANATICISM
  Excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on any subject, especially religion; religious frenzy. Syn. -- See Superstition.
• SUPERSTITION
  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-, 1. An excessive reverence for, or fear of, that which
• BIGOTRY
  1. The state of mind of a bigot; obstinate and unreasoning attachment of one's own belief and opinions, with narrow-minded intolerance of beliefs opposed to them. 2. The practice or tenets of a bigot.
• INTOLERANCE
  1. Want of capacity to endure; as, intolerance of light. 2. The quality of being intolerant; refusal to allow to others the enjoyment of their opinions, chosen modes of worship, and the like; want of patience and forbearance; illiberality; bigotry;
• PREJUDICE
  A bias on the part of judge, juror, or witness which interferes with fairness of judgment. 4. Mischief; hurt; damage; injury; detriment. Locke. England and France might, through their amity, Breed him some prejudice. Shak. Syn. -- Prejudgment;
• FRENZY
  Any violent agitation of the mind approaching to distraction; violent and temporary derangement of the mental faculties; madness; rage. All else is towering frenzy and distraction. Addison. The poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling. Shak. Syn. --
• UNPREJUDICED
  1. Not prejudiced; free from undue bias or prepossession; not preoccupied by opinion; impartial; as, an unprejudiced mind; an unprejudiced judge. 2. Not warped or biased by prejudice; as, an unprejudiced judgment. -- Un*prej"u*diced*ness, n. V.
• DISPREJUDICE
  To free from prejudice. W. Montagu.
• MISCREDULITY
  Wrong credulity or belief; misbelief. Bp. Hall.
• INCREDULITY
  The state or quality of being i Of every species of incredulity, religious unbelief is the most irrational. Buckminster.