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Abracadabra: meaning, definitions and examples

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abracadabra

 

[ ˌæbrəkəˈdæbrə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

magic incantation

Abracadabra is a term that is often associated with magic and the performance of illusions. It is traditionally spoken by magicians when performing a trick, signifying the invocation of magical powers. The origins of the word can be traced back to ancient times, where it was believed to have healing properties when written in certain patterns. Over the years, it has become a cultural shorthand for any kind of magical or miraculous event.

Synonyms

hocus pocus, magic words, shazam

Examples of usage

  • The magician waved his wand and said 'abracadabra'.
  • She whispered 'abracadabra' before the final reveal.
  • With a flourish, he exclaimed 'abracadabra' and the rabbit disappeared.
  • The children laughed and shouted 'abracadabra' as they pretended to perform magic.

Translations

Translations of the word "abracadabra" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abracadabra

🇮🇳 एबरकडाबरा

🇩🇪 Abrakadabra

🇮🇩 abrakadabra

🇺🇦 абракадабра

🇵🇱 abrakadabra

🇯🇵 アブラカダブラ

🇫🇷 abracadabra

🇪🇸 abracadabra

🇹🇷 abrakadabra

🇰🇷 아브라카다브라

🇸🇦 أبراكادابرا

🇨🇿 abrakadabra

🇸🇰 abrakadabra

🇨🇳 咒语

🇸🇮 abrakadabra

🇮🇸 abrakadabra

🇰🇿 абракадабра

🇬🇪 აბრაკადაბრა

🇦🇿 abrakadabra

🇲🇽 abracadabra

Etymology

The word 'abracadabra' is believed to have originated in the early centuries of the Common Era. Its earliest known appearance is in the work of the Roman philosopher Serenus Sammonicus, who described it as a magical incantation used for healing. It is thought to derive from a combination of the Aramaic phrase 'Avra kadavra', meaning 'I create as I speak'. This reflects the idea of words having the power to create reality. The word's popularity grew during the Middle Ages, when it was used in amulets and spells to ward off illness and harm. Over the centuries, 'abracadabra' transitioned into a more theatrical context, becoming synonymous with stage magic. Today, it is a well-known term used to evoke a sense of wonder, mystery, and the performance of magic tricks.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,794, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.