jinx
UK[dʒɪŋks]US[dʒɪŋks]
n
A person or thing that brings bad luck
v
To bring bad luck to someone or something; to curse
Etymology
The word 'jinx' entered American English in the early 20th century, originally used in baseball slang to denote a curse or a hex. It is believed to be an alteration of the word 'jynx', which referred to the wryneck bird, a species historically associated with witchcraft and magic. The bird's name, 'jynx', came from Latin and ultimately from the Ancient Greek name for the bird, 'iunx', which was linked to love charms and spells. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of a person or thing that brings bad luck evolved from this specific association with magical birds used in casting spells.
Analysis
The word 'jinx' is a simplex loanword. It does not contain separable morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
Ever since he broke the mirror, he's been convinced he's a jinx.
Some players believe it's bad luck to jinx a no-hitter by talking about it before the game is over.
The old ship was considered a jinx after a series of mysterious accidents.