Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day - apotropaic
résumé
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for May 13, 2025 is: apotropaic \ap-uh-troh-PAY-ik\ adjective
Something described as apotropaic is designed or intended to avert evil.
// The etchings are believed to be associated with ancient apotropaic rituals.
[See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apotropaic)
Examples:
“Scholars ... say witches were believed to be attracted to the scent of a human shoe and, having entered one, found themselves trapped. Footwear is one of a mindboggling array of items used in apotropaic magic, designed to turn away harm or evil influence.” — Pete Pheasant, The Derby (England) Telegraph, 13 Mar. 2025
Did you know?
Apotropaic is a charming word, and not just because of its [cadence](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cadence). You see, this term is a literal descriptor for things believed to protect against evil. Apotropaic motifs can be found throughout history, from carvings of Greek [Gorgons](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gorgon) to charms worn to repel the [evil eye](https://bit.ly/3XS2BQp). The word apotropaic comes from the Greek verb apotrépein, meaning “to turn away from, avert,” combining apo- (“away”) with trépein (“to turn”). The magic of apo- doesn’t end there: its influence is evident in many English words, including [apology](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apology), [apostrophe](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostrophe), [apostle](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apostle), and [apocalypse](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apocalypse).