hoodoo

/ˈhuːduː/
noun
  1. A form of folk magic and spiritual practice rooted in African American traditions, involving charms, herbs, and rituals.
    • She learned about hoodoo from her grandmother, who used herbs and prayers for healing.
    • Some people confuse hoodoo with voodoo, but they are different traditions.
    • The museum had an exhibit on the history of hoodoo in the American South.
  2. A person or thing that brings bad luck; a jinx.
    • Some sailors believed a black cat on board was a hoodoo.
    • Ever since he joined the team, they haven't won a game — they think he's a hoodoo.
    • That old car is a hoodoo; it breaks down every time I drive it.
  3. A tall, thin, spire-shaped rock formation, often found in arid regions, created by erosion.
    • We hiked among the hoodoos at sunrise when the light turned them orange and red.
    • Bryce Canyon is famous for its colorful hoodoos carved by wind and water.
    • The park ranger explained how hoodoos form over millions of years.
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb
  1. To bring bad luck to someone or something; to jinx.
    • He felt hoodooed after three flat tires in one week.
    • The old superstition says that whistling backstage will hoodoo the play.
    • Don't say we'll win the game — you'll hoodoo the team!