Definition

1. Noun:
   • A religious cult practiced chiefly in Caribbean countries (especially Haiti); involves witchcraft and animistic deities: "Voodooism" refers to a syncretic religion combining elements of Roman Catholicism with traditional West African spiritual beliefs, characterized by rituals, spirit possession, and the veneration of deities (loa).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Anthropologists have studied the complex rituals of Voodooism for decades.
  • The practice of Voodooism is often misunderstood by outsiders.
  • She wrote her thesis on the role of music in Haitian Voodooism.

Advanced Usage

• "the principles of Voodooism": the core beliefs or doctrines of this religion.
  • The book explores the principles of Voodooism and its cultural impact.

Variants and Related Words

• Voodoo (n): A more common term for the same religious practice.
  • Voodoo is an important part of Haitian cultural heritage.
• Voodooist (n): A practitioner of Voodoo or Voodooism.
  • The voodooist performed a ceremony to honor the spirits.

Synonyms

• Voodoo: The religion itself.
• Hoodoo: (In some contexts, though often distinct) A related set of folk magic practices in the Southern United States.

Related Phrases

• Practice Voodooism: To be an adherent of this religion.
  • Some communities in New Orleans continue to practice Voodooism.

Noun

1. a religious cult practiced chiefly in Caribbean countries (especially Haiti); involves witchcraft and animistic deities