apotropaic

[ ap-uh-truh-pey-ik ]

adjective

1. intended to ward off evil.

apotropaic

/ ˌæpəʊtrəˈpeɪɪk /

adjective

1. preventing or intended to prevent evil

Other Words From

• apo·tro·pai·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of apotropaic¹

1880–85; < Greek apotrópai ( os ) averting evil ( apo-, trope ) + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of apotropaic¹

C19: from Greek apotropaios turning away (evil), from apotrepein; see apo- , trope

Example Sentences

Examples of human apotropaic vehicles occur in the ancient civilized world.

From Project Gutenberg

But the term "apotropaic" is generally used of expulsive ceremonies in which a whole community takes part.

From Project Gutenberg