apotropaism

[ ap-uh-truh-pey-iz-uh m ]
/ ˌæp ə trəˈpeɪ ɪz əm /

noun

the use of magic and ritualistic ceremony to anticipate and prevent evil.

Origin of apotropaism

< Greek apotrópai(on) object that averts evil (see apotropaic) + -ism

Words nearby apotropaism