evil eye
B2Formal, informal, folkloric, literary
Definition
Meaning
A superstitious belief in a harmful look or gaze that can bring bad luck, injury, or misfortune to the person at whom it is directed.
A malevolent or envious glance; metaphorically, any source of harmful influence, scrutiny, or ill will. Also refers to an amulet or charm used to ward off such an influence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as a noun phrase. The concept is rooted in ancient, cross-cultural folklore. In extended use, it often describes envy ('casting an evil eye') or a perceived jinx.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The cultural references and prevalence of the belief may vary more by specific community than by national variety.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries supernatural/superstitious connotations. In figurative use, it can imply intense jealousy or suspicion.
Frequency
Similar frequency; appears in discussions of folklore, superstition, and metaphorically in general discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] cast/gave [Indirect Object] the evil eye.[Subject] is protected against the evil eye by [Object].[Subject] believes in the evil eye.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give someone the evil eye (to glare at someone malevolently).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The new startup was under the evil eye of its much larger competitor.'
Academic
Used in anthropology, folklore, and cultural studies to describe a specific class of supernatural belief.
Everyday
Used to describe a nasty or jealous look, or to reference superstitious practices (e.g., wearing an evil eye bracelet).
Technical
Not technical; belongs to the domain of folk belief and cultural studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old woman was said to evil-eye the livestock, making them sick. (archaic/rare)
American English
- He felt she was trying to evil-eye him with that intense stare. (archaic/rare)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- She wore an evil-eye pendant for protection. (compound adjective)
American English
- They bought evil-eye bracelets at the market. (compound adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandmother wears a blue bead to stop the evil eye.
- He gave me the evil eye when I took the last piece of cake.
- In many cultures, there are specific rituals to ward off the evil eye.
- The anthropologist's paper analysed the socio-economic anxieties reflected in beliefs surrounding the evil eye.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a jealous person with a single, glaring EYE, looking EVILly at someone else's success.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENVY/ILL WILL IS A HARMFUL GAZE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'злой глаз' is accurate and commonly used in Russian with a similar folkloric meaning. No major trap; it's a direct calque.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'evil eye' as a verb without 'give' or 'cast' (e.g., 'He evil-eyed me' is rare/archaic). Confusing it with just an 'angry look' without the superstitious/envious component.
Practice
Quiz
In figurative modern use, 'giving someone the evil eye' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a very widespread and ancient folk belief found in many cultures around the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond. Its effects are not scientifically proven, but the belief itself is culturally significant.
The verb form 'to evil-eye' (hyphenated) exists but is considered archaic or very rare in modern English. The standard phrasing is 'to give someone the evil eye' or 'to cast the evil eye on someone.'
'Stink eye' is a modern, informal term for a dirty look expressing contempt or annoyance, without the supernatural connotations of the traditional 'evil eye,' which implies a curse or actual harm.
It is an amulet, often depicting a stylised eye, believed to reflect back the harmful gaze and thereby protect the wearer from the evil eye's misfortune. The blue 'nazar' bead is a common example.