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Obeah - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Obeah is a spiritual practice rooted in African traditions, often involving rituals, spells, and charms for healing, protection, or harm. It is commonly found in Caribbean cultures like Jamaica.

obeah

/ˈoʊbiə/ /ˈəʊbɪə/

Definition:

A form of folk magic or sorcery practiced in the Caribbean, often involving spells and spirits.

Synonyms:

witchcraft, sorcery, voodoo, hoodoo

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

science, rationality

Common Collocations:

obeah man, obeah woman, practice obeah, believe in obeah

Derivatives:

obeahism, obeahist

Usage Tips:

Use "obeah" to refer specifically to Caribbean folk magic; avoid conflating it with other traditions like voodoo.

Common Phrases:

"obeah curse, " "obeah spell, " "obeah practitioner"

Etymology:

Derived from West African spiritual practices, brought to the Caribbean by enslaved people.

Examples:

  • 1. She feared the obeah curse placed on her family.
  • 2. The old woman was known for her obeah practices.
  • 3. He blamed his misfortune on an obeah spell.
  • 4. Many Caribbean folktales feature obeah men and women.

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