contagious magic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowacademic, anthropological
Quick answer
What does “contagious magic” mean?
In anthropology, a form of sympathetic magic where objects or persons once in contact continue to influence each other at a distance, even after separation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In anthropology, a form of sympathetic magic where objects or persons once in contact continue to influence each other at a distance, even after separation.
Metaphorically used to describe ideas, emotions, behaviours, or cultural phenomena that spread from person to person through mere exposure or association.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
UK usage slightly more tied to classic anthropological texts; US usage may be slightly more common in metaphorical extensions.
Frequency
Rare in general discourse; found almost exclusively in academic/specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “contagious magic” in a Sentence
[Subject] practices contagious magic by [verb-ing]...The concept of contagious magic holds that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contagious magic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The contagious magic principle was evident in the ritual.
American English
- His analysis focused on contagious magic beliefs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially used metaphorically for viral marketing.
Academic
Core term in anthropology, religious studies, history of magic.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in anthropology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contagious magic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contagious magic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contagious magic”
- Confusing it with the general idea of 'virality'.
- Using it to describe actual infectious diseases.
- Misspelling as 'contageous magic'.
- Treating it as a modern, rather than primarily anthropological, concept.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The term uses 'contagious' metaphorically to describe the transfer of non-physical qualities or influence through prior contact, not the spread of illness.
The Scottish anthropologist Sir James George Frazer in his seminal work 'The Golden Bough' (1890).
Contagious magic relies on physical connection or contact (e.g., using a person's hair). Imitative (or homeopathic) magic relies on resemblance or imitation (e.g., using a doll that looks like a person).
As a formal belief system in traditional societies, it has declined, but metaphorical traces exist (e.g., the emotional power of heirlooms, the 'ick factor' of using a stranger's belongings).
In anthropology, a form of sympathetic magic where objects or persons once in contact continue to influence each other at a distance, even after separation.
Contagious magic is usually academic, anthropological in register.
Contagious magic: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈteɪdʒəs ˈmadʒɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈteɪdʒəs ˈmædʒɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'contagious' like a cold that spreads by contact; 'contagious magic' is the belief that influence spreads by contact.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFLUENCE IS A CONTAGIOUS SUBSTANCE; PROPERTIES CAN BE PHYSICALLY TRANSFERRED.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core mechanism of contagious magic?