apotropaic
adjective
apo·tro·pa·ic ˌa-pə-trō-ˈpā-ik 
: designed to avert evil
an apotropaic ritual
apotropaically
ˌa-pə-trō-ˈpā-ə-k(ə-)lē
adverb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The logic of substitution is common to folk magic around the world and might have been central to apotropaic magic, too. 
Geoff Manaugh, The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2019 The witches’ marks, also known as apotropaic marks, are ritual protection symbols carved to protect against witchcraft. Fox News, 31 Oct. 2019
Geoff Manaugh, The New Yorker, 31 Oct. 2019 The witches’ marks, also known as apotropaic marks, are ritual protection symbols carved to protect against witchcraft. Fox News, 31 Oct. 2019 Word History
Etymology
Greek apotrópaios "averting evil, that should be averted, ill-omened" (from apotrop-, stem in nominal derivation of apotrépein "to turn away from, turn aside, avert" —from apo- apo- + trépein "to turn"— + -aios, adjective suffix) + -ic entry 1 — more at trope
First Known Use
1883, in the meaning defined above