The alleged ability to cause disaster or disease to an individual as the result of a glance or a special look. This may be unintentional, as when the persona has been cursed with an evil eye from birth without knowing it. Witches and sorcerers are widely believed to have the power of the evil eye and are feared for this reason.
Belief in the evil eye is documented throughout recorded history. It is greatly feared in many parts of the world, especially among tribal cultures who devote considerable efforts and resources to warding off the possible consequences. Children may be specially protected from the admiring glances of strangers.