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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Apotropaic

Definition

(literary, formal) Having the power to ward off evil or bad luck; serving as a protective charm or talisman. Often used in the context of art, architecture, or rituals that are believed to offer protection from malevolent forces.

Example Sentences

1The intricate carvings on the ancient temple were thought to possess apotropaic powers, safeguarding the community from harm.
2In many cultures, certain animals are considered apotropaic, their presence believed to ward off evil spirits or misfortune.
3The use of apotropaic symbols in medieval art was widespread, with gargoyles and grotesques adorning the facades of churches and cathedrals.
4Some researchers argue that the elaborate masks worn in certain traditional dances serve an apotropaic function, protecting the wearer from malevolent entities.
5The apotropaic qualities of the evil eye charm have been recognized across cultures, with various forms of the symbol appearing in jewelry, art, and architecture.

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