self-fulfilling prophecy

Definition

A prediction that, by being voiced, causes itself to come true.

Etymology

Coined by sociologist Robert K. Merton.

Example Sentences

• "Whether or not we believe in astrology is irrelevant; the question is, did the Magdalenians? If so, then in a self-fulfilling prophecy they may have been organizing their lives according to a religious belief system, and not simply an economic or ecological one."
• "Operator Abellio ScotRail doubled the Mon-Sat service from one train in each direction to two from May 2019 - it being something of a self-fulfilling prophecy that if you lay on trains, people might use them."