# evil eye

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌiːvl̩‿ˈaɪ/

## Definitions
1. A wicked look conveying dislike or envy that in many cultures is believed to be able to cause bad luck or injury; also, the ability to cause bad luck or injury through such a look, supposed to be possessed by some people.
2. The charm used to ward off the evil eye; a nazar.
3. A look conveying disapproval, envy, hostility, etc.

## Etymology
From Middle English ivel eie (“evil eye; envy”), from Old English eage yfel, a calque of Latin oculus malus, from oculus (“eye”) + malus (“bad, evil, wicked; destructive, hurtful, injurious; unfavourable, unlucky”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/evil-eye