antiprestidigitation
|an-ti-pres-ti-di-gi-ta-tion|
/ˌæn.ti.prɛs.tɪ.dɪˈdʒɪ.tə.ʃən/
against sleight-of-hand
Etymology
'antiprestidigitation' originates from Modern English by combining the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'prestidigitation'. 'Anti-' ultimately comes from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against', and 'prestidigitation' comes via French/Italian from Latin roots referring to tricks or illusions.
'antiprestidigitation' was formed in English by prefixing 'anti-' to 'prestidigitation' (itself from French/Italian forms derived from Latin 'praestigiae' or similar), creating a compound meaning 'against prestidigitation'.
Initially the parts meant simply 'against' + 'sleight of hand/illusion', and the compound has retained that sense: opposition to or exposure of prestidigitation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or practice of opposing, exposing, or criticizing prestidigitation (sleight-of-hand and stage magic); debunking magical tricks.
The society's pamphlet promoted antiprestidigitation by explaining how several common illusions were performed.
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Noun 2
a viewpoint or movement that regards stage magic or prestidigitation as deceptive, unethical, or dishonest and calls for its restriction or disapproval.
During the debate the politician invoked antiprestidigitation, arguing that certain acts of illusion mislead the public.
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Last updated: 2025/09/07 19:22