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View synonyms for occult

occult

[ uh-kuhlt, ok-uhlt ]

adjective

  1. of or relating to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies.
  2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.

    Synonyms: supernatural, metaphysical, esoteric, arcane

  3. secret; disclosed or communicated only to the initiated.

    Synonyms: unrevealed, kabbalistic, mystical, veiled

  4. hidden from view; concealed.
  5. (in early science)
    1. not apparent on mere inspection but discoverable by experimentation.
    2. of a nature not understood, as physical qualities.
    3. dealing with such qualities; experimental:

      occult science.

  6. Medicine/Medical. present in amounts too small to be visible:

    a chemical test to detect occult blood in the stool.



noun

  1. Usually the occult.
    1. the supernatural or supernatural agencies and affairs considered as a whole.
    2. occult studies or sciences.

verb (used with object)

  1. to block or shut off (an object) from view; hide.
  2. Astronomy. to hide (a celestial body) by occultation.

verb (used without object)

  1. to become hidden or shut off from view.

occult

adjective

    1. of or characteristic of magical, mystical, or supernatural arts, phenomena, or influences
    2. ( as noun )

      the occult

  1. beyond ordinary human understanding
  2. secret or esoteric


verb

  1. astronomy (of a celestial body) to hide (another celestial body) from view by occultation or (of a celestial body) to become hidden by occultation
  2. to hide or become hidden or shut off from view
  3. intr (of lights, esp in lighthouses) to shut off at regular intervals

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Derived Forms

  • ocˈcultly, adverb
  • ocˈcultness, noun

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Other Words From

  • oc·culter noun
  • oc·cultly adverb
  • oc·cultness noun
  • nonoc·cult adjective
  • nonoc·culting adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of occult1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin occultus (past participle of occulere “to hide from view, cover up”), equivalent to oc- “to, toward, over” + -cul-, akin to cēlāre “to hide” + -tus past participle suffix; oc-, conceal

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Word History and Origins

Origin of occult1

C16: from Latin occultus, past participle of occulere, from ob- over, up + -culere, related to celāre to conceal

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Example Sentences

“Occult” literally means “hidden from view,” which is why we use it both in astronomy and to refer to secret knowledge.

The people of Ponchatoula were also left wondering if the occult had anything to do with the crimes.

The Nazi Party actually began as an occult fraternity, before it morphed into a political party.

The figures lined his office in Vienna and then in London, adding to the vaguely occult atmosphere in his consulting room.

One engineering school is even promoting a fascinating course on the relationship between the occult and technology.

The Cardinal then hinted, that Wharton had vanished on some occult mission, to circumvent the Italian investiture.

Mrs. Irvin has decided to consult a palmist or a hypnotist or some such occult authority before dining with you this evening.

Recognition of occult hemorrhage has its greatest value in diagnosis of gastric cancer and ulcer.

Superstitious and fatalistic, like so many superior men, she had no sincere belief except in occult sciences.

(b) That Pike has, however, in his lectures added occult matters from these occult Rites.

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