Definition

1. Noun:
   • A religious belief or system of African origin involving witchcraft, sorcery, and the use of supernatural power: "Obeah" refers to a spiritual and folk magic practice that originated among the African diaspora, particularly in the Caribbean. It involves rituals, charms, and spells intended to influence events, protect from harm, or cause harm to others.
   • A charm or fetish used in such practices: "Obeah" can also refer to a physical object, such as a talisman or bundle, believed to hold magical power within this system.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The villagers feared the power of obeah and consulted the local practitioner.
  • An obeah charm was found buried near the doorstep.
  • Practicing obeah was historically outlawed in many Caribbean colonies.

Advanced Usage

• "To work obeah": to practice or perform obeah rituals.
  • It was rumored that the old woman could work obeah to heal or to curse.
• "Obeah man" / "Obeah woman": terms for a practitioner of obeah.
  • He went to see the obeah man for a protection spell.

Variants and Related Words

• Obi (n): An alternate, often older, spelling for "obeah."
• Obeahism (n): The system or practice of obeah.
• Obeahist (n): A practitioner of obeah (less common).

Synonyms

• Sorcery: The use of magic, especially for evil purposes.
• Witchcraft: The practice of magic, often involving communication with spirits.
• Juju (West African origin): A style of magic and amulet, conceptually related.
• Hoodoo (North American folk magic): A related system of African-American folk magic.

Related Phrases

• "Put an obeah on someone": To cast a spell or curse on someone.
  • She believed her rival had put an obeah on her to cause her bad luck.

Noun

1. a religious belief of African origin involving witchcraft and sorcery; practiced in parts of the West Indies and tropical Americas
2. (West Indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery