sorceress

American  

[sawr-ser-is] / ˈsɔr sər ɪs /

noun

1. a woman who practices sorcery; witch.

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Usage

What does sorceress mean? A sorceress is a woman who can perform sorcery—witchcraft or magic. The word sorcerer means the same thing but can be used for any gender, although it typically refers to a man. The word sorcery often (though not always) refers to so-called black magic—magic used for evil purposes. That’s why sorceress and sorcerer are often used to refer to evil characters in works of fiction, especially in the fantasy genre. In contrast, similar words like wizard and magician usually imply that such figures use their powers for good. If not, you’d usually call them an evil wizard or evil magician. Apart from whether or not they use their supernatural powers for good or evil, the words sorcerer and sorceress often imply that such a person is very powerful due to having great skill and command of such powers. For this reason, the word sorceress is sometimes used in a figurative way to refer to a woman who is very skilled at something, as if she has magical abilities, as in Maureen is a sorceress at coding. The word sorcery can be used to refer to such skill. The words wizard and wizardry are used (even more commonly) in the same ways. Example: The sorceress has cast a powerful spell to enchant this land.

Gender

See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of sorceress

1350–1400; Middle English < Anglo-French sorceresse, equivalent to sorcer ( see sorcerer) + -esse -ess

Example Sentences

The same year he played the mischievous Sorceress in Barrie Kosky's production of "Dido and Aeneas" at Los Angeles Opera, where Domingo is general director.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2018

In "Dido and Aeneas," director Barrie Kosky made use of your large and powerful stage presence but also asked you to stretch a bit as the nasty Sorceress.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2018

Polgara the Sorceress, from The Belgariad and Mallorean series, by David and Leigh Eddings There are a plethora of sorcerers to choose from in this 13-book series, but Polgara has always been my favourite.

From The Guardian • May 22, 2016

The Sorceress is just as powerful as the Wizard.

From Forbes • Aug. 2, 2013

Or where Ben-Jamin teams up the Crowned Sorceress, Sam O’Mal, to exorcise the vicious spirits that were possessing Hudsonien so he can find happiness again.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera