English Explanatory Dictionary

evil eye

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A wicked look conveying dislike or envy that in many cultures is believed to be able to cause bad luck or injury; also, the ability to cause bad luck or injury through such a look, supposed to be possessed by some people.
  2. The charm used to ward off the evil eye; a nazar.
  3. A look conveying disapproval, envy, hostility, etc.

Pronunciation

/ˌiːvl̩‿ˈaɪ/ /ˌiːvɪl-/ /ˌiv(ə)l̩‿ˈaɪ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-evil eye.wav

Word forms

evil eye evil eyes

Etymology

From Middle English ivel eie (“evil eye; envy”), from Old English eage yfel, a calque of Latin oculus malus, from oculus (“eye”) + malus (“bad, evil, wicked; destructive, hurtful, injurious; unfavourable, unlucky”).

Synonyms

bad eye evils evil look the eye malocchio stink eye see others there side-eye

Related words

God's eye hairy eyeball Hand of Fatima Hand of Miriam if looks could kill look daggers

Derived words

evil-eye evil-eyed evils
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