apotropaic

adj.

Intended to ward off evil: an apotropaic symbol.

[From Greek apotropaios, from apotrepein, to ward off : apo-, apo- + trepein, to turn.]

apotropaically ap'o·tro·pa'i·cal·ly adv.

[De]

Referring to an image or device which is designed to ward off unwanted influences.

/a pa trO PAY ic/  designed to avert evil

IN BRIEF: adj. - Having the power to prevent evil or bad luck.

Tutor's tip: This word was used in the 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals.

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The adjective has one meaning:

Meaning #1: having the power to prevent evil or bad luck

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