What does voodooism mean?
Voodooism is the English noun for a set of religious or ritual practices involving spirits, charms, sacrifice, and the ritual control or appeasement of supernatural powers. Its strongest historical associations are with African diasporic religions, especially Haitian Vodou, although related practices developed elsewhere in the Americas. The term also has a broader, usually disparaging sense: alleged magic, superstition, or occult manipulation regarded as primitive or sinister. In careful writing, scholars often use “Vodou” for Haitian religion and reserve “voodooism” for a broader category or an outsider's dismissive description. Because this usage can stigmatize living religious practices, context matters: a historical or anthropological reference may use the term neutrally, while sensational writing often treats it as synonymous with black magic. The word is useful not only for recognizing the history of colonialism and migration, but also for seeing how labels of “primitive” belief can shape public suspicion of unfamiliar rituals.
nounVoodooism denotes a body of religious or ritual practices involving spirits and supernatural powers, especially those associated with African diasporic traditions. In broader, often disparaging usage, it means alleged magic, superstition, or occult influence regarded as primitive or sinister.
- A system or practice of spirit worship or magic associated with African diasporic religions, especially Haitian Vodou.
- In broader and often disparaging use, alleged magic, superstition, or occult influence regarded as primitive or sinister.
"The anthropologist examined the enduring influence of voodooism on communities descended from enslaved Africans."
"The singer was accused of voodooism after several of her rivals mysteriously fell ill."
"Voodooism remains a subject of serious historical and anthropological study, particularly in communities formed by the African diaspora."
Rare; the word is normally used as a mass noun when referring to a practice or body of beliefs.
"The book compares the different voodooisms that developed within African diasporic communities."
The word traveled from West African spiritual traditions through colonial Louisiana and into English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of voodooism
Voodooism was formed in English by adding the suffix -ism to voodoo. The word voodoo entered English through Louisiana French during the colonial period and is generally traced to West African religious terminology concerning spirits. Vodou and vaudou are related English-language forms, with Vodou becoming the standard name for the Haitian religion.
Related word forms
How voodooism is actually used
Outside specialist historical, religious, or anthropological discussion, the term is often treated as pejorative. When discussing a specific living tradition, its more precise name is generally preferable.
Easily confused with voodooism
Voodoo names the religious or magical tradition itself, whereas voodooism more often denotes a system, body of practices, or alleged occult influence associated with it.
Vodou is the established name for the Haitian religion, while voodooism is a broader English term that may also carry a dismissive or exoticizing connotation.