Occult
/əˈkʌlt/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to the supernatural, the mystical, or the practices of magic and sorcery; hidden from view or knowledge.
/əˈkʌlt/
Relating to supernatural, mystical, or magical powers.
She became fascinated with occult literature.
💡 Simply: It means things that are secret and mysterious, like magic tricks or things that people believe in but can't really prove.
👶 For kids: Something secret and magical that most people don't know about.
More Examples
The secret society studied occult rituals.
The movie featured a story about an occult curse.
How It's Used
"The occult practices were believed to summon spirits."
"The novel explored the occult secrets of the ancient order."
To shut off from view or exposure; to obscure.
/əˈkʌlt/
The planet occulted the distant star during the celestial event.
💡 Simply: To hide or cover something from sight, like when one thing blocks your view of another.
👶 For kids: To hide something from sight.
More Examples
The dense forest occulted the sunlight.
How It's Used
"The moon occulted the star, making it disappear briefly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
occult science
The study of occult subjects and practices.
"He dedicated his life to the study of occult science."
From Latin *occultus* ('hidden, secret'), the past participle of *occulere* ('to hide').
The word 'occult' has been used since the 16th century to describe hidden or secret things, particularly related to magic, alchemy, and astrology.
Memory tip
Think of something that's *hidden* and *secret*, like a hidden gem or a secret society.
Word Origin
"hidden, secret"