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: kabbalistic, mystical, veiled, unrevealed

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. 1. of or characteristic of magical, mystical, or supernatural arts, phenomena, or influences

   2. ( as noun )

      the occult

2. beyond ordinary human understanding

3. 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

Other Word Forms

• occultly adverb
• occultness noun
• occulter noun
• nonoccult adjective
• nonocculting adjective

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

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

Example Sentences

She claimed the event was filled with “occult symbols” and ceremonies, calling it not just an eccentric festival but “one of the most effective tools for Satan to misdirect souls away from our Heavenly Father.”

From Los Angeles Times

Black Sabbath fans initially dubbed him with it thanks to his jet black onstage persona, decadent aura and lyrics that seemed obsessed by the occult.

From BBC

The self-styled Prince of Darkness turned the grim, creeping feeling of late ’60s Birmingham into incredibly influential songs about the occult and the apocalypse.

From Salon

They developed a unique sound, inspired by the blues but slower, louder and more sinister - with frequent references to the occult.

From BBC

The “Harry Potter” books are a frequent target of ire from Alito-esque parents who think fantasy novels literally teach kids how to perform occult magic.

From Salon