jinx

noun

1. 1

   A hex; an evil spell.

2. 2

   A person or thing supposed to bring bad luck.

verb

1. 1

   To cast a spell on.

2. 2

   To bring bad luck to.

3. 3

   To cause something to happen by mentioning it. Often used sarcastically.

   “So you'll all be near New York!” Maggie says. “We don't know for sure yet.” Sara stresses. “Don't jinx it.”

   I've no idea if she guessed what I was intending to do. I don't know why I was so reluctant to talk about it, even to her. Maybe I was afraid that verbalising my intentions would jinx it in some way.

4. 4

   To cause a bad outcome through verbal expression of certainty about a good situation or result. See knocking on wood, which is supposed to mitigate this effect.

interjection

1. 1

   Used after the same thing is said by two people simultaneously.

   Bart: I'm telling Mom and Dad! / Lisa: You're telling who? / Bart: Mom and Dad! / Girls: MOM AND DAD? JINX! / Janey Powell: Now you can't talk, 'til somebody says your name!

Forms

plural

jinxes

past tense

jinxed

past participle

jinxed

present participle

jinxing

third person singular

jinxes