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.
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.