abracadabra (English)

Where does "abracadabra" come from?

The English word 'abracadabra' is a learned borrowing from Late Latin 'abracadabra'[1]. The ultimate origin of the Latin term remains unknown[2]. Scholars have suggested potential relationships to the Gnostic deity 'Abraxas' or to various Aramaic and Hebrew phrases, such as 'avra kedavra' meaning what was said has come to pass, though these connections lack solid supporting evidence[2].

Open questions

• The potential relationships between the Latin term and various Aramaic or Hebrew phrases or the deity Abraxas rest on thin evidence and remain disputed. [2]

Full etymology tree

• abracadabra (English), 'Used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed.'
  • learned borrowing abracadabra (Latin), 'abracadabra'

Ancestors

• abracadabra (Latin)

Descendants and derived words

• abracadabrangle (English)
• abracadabric (English)

Sources

1. abracadabra (English) - Wiktionary
2. abracadabra (Latin) - Wiktionary

Updated August 2026

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Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris