occult
n.the study of magic, spirits, and hidden powers that science cannot explain. People often use this word when talking about secret rituals or mysterious beliefs.
n.supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena. Often refers to systems of knowledge that are hidden from the uninitiated or outside the realm of empirical science.
“She spent years studying the occult and ancient myths.”
“The library contains a restricted section dedicated to the occult, featuring rare manuscripts on alchemy and divination.”
“While modern chemistry has its roots in the occult practices of early alchemists, the two fields eventually diverged as the scientific method replaced mystical speculation.”
Typically preceded by the definite article 'the' when referring to the subject as a whole.
“The Times reports tension , external between the druids of Anglesey and an occult store on the island.”
“After they move in they discover a Latin phrase carved into the wall, layers of candle wax, a mysterious sealed bottle: evidence of occult rituals?”
Borrowed from Latin occultus (“hidden, secret”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.