obeah

[ oh-bee-uh ]

noun

1. a form of belief involving sorcery, practiced in parts of the West Indies, South America, the southern U.S., and Africa.
2. a fetish or charm used in practicing obeah.

obeah

/ ˈəʊbɪə /

noun

1. another word for obi 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of obeah¹

1750–60; compare Gullah, Jamaican English, Guyanan English, Sranan óbia magic, charm; < a West African language, though precise source unclear; compare Twi ɔ-bayifó sorcerer (compound with -fo person), Igbo díbìà folk healer (compound with dí- expert in)

Example Sentences

Starting from Kingston, the photographer Naila Ruechel charted a course through the rich mix of Christian and Afro-centric traditions, from Obeah to the Revival church to Rastafarianism.

From New York Times

The magical systems evoked in much of this folklore, like obeah, have their roots in African religious and spiritual practices.

From New York Times

Butterflies are a relatively harmless vice, but giant moths are like heroin: “The moth eater is always moved to begin again,” an obeah woman tells Xavier.

From Washington Post

But June 17’s 10-race card, which featured the $100,000 Obeah Stakes for fillies and mares 3 years old and up, was a sign of sports normalcy, despite the abundant face masks.

From Washington Times

The Obeah Stakes was the first career stakes victory for the New York-bred conditioned by Juan Carlos Guerrero.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• religion
• worldview