apotropaion en · NOUN
Etymology
Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἀποτρόπαιον (apotrópaion).
Meanings
-
Something that wards off evil; an amulet or magic charm.
Ancient literature provides clear evidence for the body of the hunchback functioning as an apotropaion.
2015, Lisa Trentin, The Hunchback in Hellenistic and Roman Art, page 52:Walking in nature, we see, identify, name, recognize. This recognition is our apotropaion, that is, our warding off of fear.
1990, Camille Paglia, Sexual Personae:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| apotropaia | Number=Plur | lexicographic |