jinx

jinx · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person or thing that brings bad luck.

  2. 2.

    To bring bad luck to; to cast a spell of misfortune on.

  3. 3.

    A spell or curse believed to bring bad luck.

Forms

plural: jinxes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    put a jinx on — to cause bad luck to befall someone or something
  • •
    jinx it — to cause something to fail by talking about it prematurely

Related words

Antonyms: blessing, charm, good luck
See also: curse, hex, luck, superstition
Synonyms: bad luck, curse, hex, spell

Etymology

From Latin iynx ("wryneck bird"), from Greek, referring to a bird used in witchcraft and magic spells. The word entered English in the early 20th century.