occultism

[ uh-kuhl-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. belief in the existence of secret, mysterious, or supernatural agencies.
2. the study or practice of occult arts.

Other Words From

• oc·cult·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of occultism¹

First recorded in 1880–85; occult + -ism

Example Sentences

At Halloween, the focus is on death, occultism and nightmares.

From Washington Times

A local man got up to say that “our modern-day psychology is rooted in occultism,” noting that Sigmund Freud used drugs while writing his thesis and Karl Jung channeled spirit guides.

From New York Times

The second element for Cubitt is occultism — things happening in secret, so this would correspond to what Barkun means when he says nothing is as it seems.

From Salon

As she nurtured an interest in occultism and mysticism, she concluded that her condition was connected to astral projecting, the belief that an individual’s consciousness can traverse different dimensions.

From New York Times

The vibe is much more “sparkly rave fairy” than “angry Catholic schoolgirl,” but the essence is the same: fun and friendship mixed with light occultism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• black magic
• occult
• voodoo