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Hoodoo: meaning, definitions and examples

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hoodoo

 

[ ˈhuːduː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geology

A column or pinnacle of weathered rock, often in a desert region, that may reach a height of several meters.

Synonyms

pinnacle, rock column

Examples of usage

  • The hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park are a popular tourist attraction.
  • The erosion of the sandstone created the impressive hoodoo formations.
Context #2 | Noun

folk magic

A type of folk magic or spiritual practice that is associated with the African American culture of the Southern United States.

Synonyms

conjure, folk magic

Examples of usage

  • She practiced hoodoo to ward off evil spirits.
  • Hoodoo rituals are often passed down through generations.

Translations

Translations of the word "hoodoo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feitiçaria

🇮🇳 जादू

🇩🇪 Zauber

🇮🇩 sihir

🇺🇦 чаклунство

🇵🇱 czary

🇯🇵 魔術

🇫🇷 sorcellerie

🇪🇸 hechizo

🇹🇷 büyü

🇰🇷 주술

🇸🇦 سحر

🇨🇿 kouzlo

🇸🇰 čarodejníctvo

🇨🇳 巫术

🇸🇮 čarovništvo

🇮🇸 galdur

🇰🇿 сиқыр

🇬🇪 ჯადოქრობა

🇦🇿 sehr

🇲🇽 hechizo

Etymology

The term 'hoodoo' originated in the Southern United States among African American communities, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region. It is believed to have roots in African spiritual practices and traditions brought over during the slave trade. Hoodoo encompasses a wide range of practices, including herbalism, spiritual healing, and divination. Over time, hoodoo has evolved and adapted, incorporating elements of Christianity and Native American traditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,532, 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.