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Jinx

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A person, thing, or event believed to bring bad luck.
2. A superstition or curse associated with an object or individual that causes misfortune.
3. To bring bad luck or to cause a situation to be unlucky, especially through actions or words.
4. A state of bad luck or misfortune attributed to an influence or a person.

History and Origin

The word “jinx” has uncertain origins, but it likely derives from the bird jynx, a type of wryneck bird that was historically associated with witchcraft and superstitions. The bird was thought to possess the ability to curse or cast bad luck. “Jinx” appeared in the early 20th century, often in the context of sports or games, where it referred to a person or event that seemed to bring a streak of bad luck. Over time, the term has become widely used in popular culture to describe any person, object, or situation thought to cause misfortune.

Detailed Explanation

A “jinx” refers to something or someone believed to cause bad luck, especially in situations where misfortune seems to follow a particular person, event, or object. In superstitions, a jinx might be something that causes a series of unfortunate events, and many cultures have rituals or actions designed to counteract or avoid a jinx. For instance, in sports, a player might be said to be “jinxed” if they repeatedly perform poorly in a particular situation. The concept of a jinx also extends to the idea of words or actions that might unwittingly bring bad luck, such as speaking about an event before it happens (often leading to bad outcomes). The term is often used humorously or lightly, though it can be rooted in superstitious beliefs.

Example Sentences

1. She thought the broken mirror was a jinx, and that’s why her day went so wrong.
2. After the team lost their fifth game in a row, some fans joked that the coach was a jinx.
3. He believed his new shoes were a jinx, as every time he wore them, something went wrong.
4. You can’t say that out loud, or you’ll jinx it!
5. The party was going perfectly until the power went out—guess it was the jinx of the evening.
6. She was convinced that her friend’s negative attitude was jinxing the group.
7. After the accident, he began to feel like a jinx, unable to avoid bad situations.
8. The basketball player hit the game-winning shot and joked about not jinxing the victory.
9. Every time they planned a vacation, something would go wrong, leading them to believe they were jinxed.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Hex – A spell or curse believed to bring bad luck or misfortune.
2. Curse – A harmful spell or invocation that brings misfortune, often linked to bad luck.
3. Bad luck – The occurrence of unfortunate events, often seen as the result of a jinx.
4. Bane – A source of harm or destruction, often associated with a jinx or curse.
5. Misfortune – A state of having bad luck or encountering unfortunate events, similar to being jinxed.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Superstition – A belief or practice stemming from fear of the unknown or the belief that certain actions or things can cause bad luck.
2. Witchcraft – The practice of magic, often associated with casting curses or jinxes.
3. Fortune – Luck or chance, often in contrast to bad luck or a jinx.
4. Fate – A belief in predetermined events, often linked to concepts of luck or misfortune.
5. Charm – An object or ritual believed to bring good luck or protect against bad luck or a jinx.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Misadventure – An unfortunate event, often one that occurs unexpectedly, similar to a jinxed situation.
2. Accident – An unintentional event that brings bad luck or harm, akin to being jinxed.
3. Bad omen – A sign or symbol believed to predict or bring about misfortune, similar to a jinx.
4. Bad streak – A period of continued misfortune or bad luck, often seen as being jinxed.
5. Ill luck – A term for ongoing bad luck, often associated with a jinx.

Antonyms

1. Luck
2. Fortune
3. Blessing
4. Prosperity
5. Success