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samhainophobia

[ sou-win-uh-foh-bee-uh ] [ ˌsɑʊ wɪn əˌˈfoʊ bi ə ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

an abnormal or extreme fear of Halloween

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Why Dictionary.com chose samhainophobia

More about samhainophobia

  • Named for the ancient Celtic festival samhain,Ìýfrom the Old Irish samain, literally “summer’s end” and combined with phobia, “intense fear.”

EXAMPLES OF SAMHAINOPHOBIA

  • The child’s samhainophobia is so severe that he refuses to leave the house during October, fearing the costumes and decorations.
  • During the Halloween season, many people with samhainophobia may isolate themselves to avoid the holiday’s triggers.
20240103
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

unceremoniously

[ uhn-ser-uh-moh-nee-uhs-lee ] [ ˌʌn sɛr əˈmoʊ ni əs li ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

adverb

in a way that seems rudely abrupt or hasty

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Why Dictionary.com chose unceremoniously

More about unceremoniously

  • First recorded in 1750–60, combining unceremonious + -ly.
  • The adjective form was first noted in the writing of poet George Chapman.

EXAMPLES OF UNCEREMONIOUSLY

  • The employee was unceremoniously dismissed from his job, receiving no explanation.
  • They abandoned their camping plans unceremoniously when it started to storm.
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51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar

51³Ô¹Ï of the day

abraxas

[ uh-brak-suhs ] [ əˈbræk səs ] Show IPA Phonetic Respelling

noun

a word of unknown significance found on charms, especially amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world

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Why Dictionary.com chose abraxas

More about abraxas

  • First recorded in 1710–20.
  • Borrowed directly from the French abraxas, for an amulet inscribed with the word.
  • From the Post-classical LatinÌýAbraxas, ruler of the 365 heavens. Its letters in Greek add up to 365 — representing the full cycle of time and linking Abraxas as a ruler over all aspects of creation and the cosmic order.

EXAMPLES OF ABRAXAS

  • Ancient magicians and healers often incorporated the word abraxas into their spells and rituals to invoke supernatural forces.
  • Scholars have long debated the meaning of abraxas, which appears frequently on charms and talismans from the Greco-Roman period.
20240103
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar
51³Ô¹Ï of the Day Calendar