apotropaic etymology

Etymology:

  • Greek: ἀποτρόπαιος, apotropaios ("averting evil")
  • Proto-Indo-European: *h₂potro- ("away") + *ḱweh₂p- ("to grasp")

Meaning:

  • Relating to or serving to ward off evil, misfortune, or danger

Origin:

The term "apotropaic" originates from ancient Greek. It was used to describe objects, gestures, or rituals believed to protect against evil spirits, curses, or harm.

In ancient Greek mythology, Apotropaios was an epithet of Zeus, who was invoked for protection and deliverance. His image or symbols were often used as apotropaic devices.

Other common apotropaic symbols in ancient Greece included:

  • The evil eye
  • The hand of Fatima (also known as the hamsa)
  • The horseshoe
  • The pentagram
  • The cross

Usage:

Apotropaic beliefs and practices have been common throughout human history and across cultures. They range from simple amulets or talismans to elaborate rituals and ceremonies.

Today, the term "apotropaic" is used in fields such as:

  • Anthropology and archaeology
  • Art history
  • Folklore
  • Religious studies

apotropaic relate terms

  • apotropaic

    Etymology Greek ἀποτρόπαιος apotropaios averting evil Proto Indo Euro

  • Atropos

    Etymology The name Atropos is derived from the Greek word atropos which means unbendi

  • contrive

    Etymology Middle English contrive from Anglo French contriver from Latin contrōvār

  • entropy

    Etymology and Origin The term entropy originates from the Greek word εντροπία

  • heliotrope

    Etymology Greek helios sun trope turning Meaning A plant that turns its

  • isotropic

    Etymology Derived from Greek iso equal and tropikos turning direction Mean

  • psychotropic

    Etymology The term psychotropic is derived from two Greek words Psyche Meaning

  • retrieve

    Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek word etymos which means true

  • trope

    Etymology The term trope originates from the Greek word tropos which means turn o

  • trophy

    Etymology The word trophy comes from the Greek word tropaion τρόπαιον whi

  • tropic

    Etymology The word tropic comes from the Greek word tropos which means a turn Th

  • tropical

    Etymology The word tropical comes from the Greek word tropos which means turning

  • tropism

    Etymology The word tropism comes from the Greek word τρόπος tropos meaning tu

  • troposphere

    Etymology tropo Greek turning changing sphere Greek ball sphere Meaning

  • troubadour

    Etymology Old Provençal trobador Latin tropare Greek τρόπος tropos meaning

  • zoetrope

    Etymology Zoetrope comes from the Greek words zoe ζωή meaning life and tropos

  • leader

    Etymology Old English ledere leader guide Middle English leder Proto Germanic l

  • oven

    Etymology From Middle English ovene from Old French ovne from Vulgar Latin ŏfnus fr

  • cousin

    Etymology The word cousin comes from the Old French word cosin which in turn is deri

  • frank

    Etymology The name Frank originates from the Frankish word franc which means free

  • stamp

    Etymology The word stamp comes from the Middle English word stampen which means to

  • dusk

    Etymology The word dusk comes from the Old English word dusc which was itself derive

  • liberty

    Etymology From Middle English libertee from Old French liberté ultimately from Latin

  • scapegoat

    Etymology Scape Latin goat Goat Old English male goat Meaning Noun A p

  • confer

    Etymology The word confer comes from the Latin word conferre which means to bring