The "evil eye" is a belief that some people possess a malevolent stare that can cause harm or misfortune. The word "evil" is spelled [ˈiːvəl] in IPA phonetic transcription, with a long "e" sound and ending in an "l" consonant. The word "eye" is spelled [aɪ] in IPA, with a diphthong sound that starts with an "a" sound and moves to an "i" sound. Together, the two words form a compound word pronounced [ˈiːvəl aɪ], with a stress on the first syllable of "evil."
The term "evil eye" refers to a widespread belief across various cultural and religious traditions that some individuals possess the ability to cast a malevolent glare or gaze upon others, potentially causing harm or misfortune. The evil eye is often considered a form of supernatural or mystical power, both consciously and unconsciously employed.
The concept is rooted in the belief that certain people possess an innate ability to project negative energy or ill will through their eyes, leading to a range of calamities such as illness, injury, bad luck, or even death affecting the intended target. This belief has led to the development of various protective practices, amulets, and rituals in different cultures to ward off the power of the evil eye.
The belief in the evil eye transcends cultural boundaries and is found across many parts of the world, such as the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Local customs and practices surrounding the evil eye diverge, with each culture having unique superstitions, symbols, and remedies to counteract its effects.
The evil eye can also be seen as a metaphorical representation of envy or jealousy, as it is often believed that those who possess malicious intent or harbor ill feelings towards others have a stronger ability to cast the evil eye. The presence of the evil eye in a cultural context serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of individuals to the potentially harmful intentions of others.
Influence for injury, formerly supposed to be possessed by certain persons who cast an envious or hostile look on any other person or object.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "evil eye" originates from the belief in many cultures that certain individuals possess the power to intentionally cause harm or bad luck by looking at someone with envy or ill-will. The belief in the evil eye can be traced back to ancient civilizations, specifically in the Mediterranean region. The phrase itself is derived from the combination of the Middle English word "evil", meaning morally bad or wicked, and the Old English word "eyǽ", which translates to "eye". The concept of the evil eye has been present in various cultures and languages, including the Greek "mati" (μάτι), Turkish "nazar", Arabic "ayn al-hasud" (عين الحسود), and Italian "malocchio". The term has since become a widespread concept across different societies and continues to be used to describe the effects of envy or ill-intention.