What does voodoo mean?
Voodoo has two closely related uses. In its principal cultural sense, it refers to Haitian Vodou, a living religious tradition that developed among Afro-Caribbean communities and draws on West African, Roman Catholic, and other influences. English speakers also use the word more broadly, and often figuratively, for sorcery, curses, or apparently irrational methods believed to produce mysteriously effective results. In such uses it may be dismissive, especially when describing economic or political ideas as unscientific. Because the term has a specific religious history, it should not be treated merely as an interchangeable label for spooky magic; Vodou is the preferred name when discussing the Haitian religion itself. Nevertheless, voodoo remains culturally important in discussions of Haitian history, diaspora traditions, and popular culture, including the familiar figure of the voodoo doll. The term also appears in expressions such as voodoo economics, where it conveys doubt about a policy's practical or evidential basis rather than making a literal claim about magic.
The Haitian Vodou religion, or more broadly, magic or sorcery believed to operate through supernatural powers.
"The exhibition presented Haitian voodoo as a religion and a complex cultural tradition."
The broader sense can be dismissive when applied to ideas or methods considered irrational.
Relating to voodoo or to practices regarded as magical, irrational, or unscientific.
"The senator dismissed the proposal as voodoo economics."
Usually attributive and most common in expressions such as voodoo economics and voodoo medicine.
To bewitch or affect someone through supposed supernatural or magical means.
"They believed the rival had voodooed the officials."
Rare and informal.
The plural is uncommon and can denote individual magical practices, spells, or rituals.
"The oral history described several voodoos performed by different practitioners."
Voodoo is not just a spooky synonym for witchcraft: it also names a living Haitian religious tradition with roots in West Africa.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of voodoo
The English word comes through Haitian Creole, where voodoo denotes the religion commonly called Vodou. Haitian Creole borrowed the term from the Fon word vodun, also written vodu, which refers to a spirit or deity. Haitian Vodou developed in the Caribbean through the interaction of West African religious traditions with Roman Catholic and other influences.
Related word forms
How voodoo is actually used
The word is sometimes used dismissively to characterize methods regarded as irrational, magical, or unscientific. When referring specifically to the Haitian religion, Vodou is generally the preferred contemporary name. The verb is rare and informal, while adjectival use is usually attributive, as in voodoo economics or voodoo medicine.
Easily confused with voodoo
Hoodoo usually denotes African American folk-magic practices or good-luck rituals, whereas voodoo more specifically names the Haitian Vodou tradition or is used as a broader label for sorcery.
Vodou is the usual name for the Haitian religious tradition, while voodoo can refer either to that tradition or, more broadly and sometimes dismissively, to magic or supposed irrational remedies.