sorcery

Sorcery is supernatural power or the ability to use supernatural powers—witchcraft or magic.

The word sorcery often (though not always) refers to so-called black magic—magic used for evil purposes.

A person who can perform sorcery is called a sorcerer (which can be used for any gender, but typically refers to a man) or a sorceress (which refers to a woman). Sorcerer and sorceress are often used to refer to evil characters in works of fiction, especially in the “sword and sorcery” 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 it’s used for good or evil, the words sorcery implies great power—and often great skill and command of such power.

For this reason, the word sorcery is sometimes used in a figurative way to refer to great skill in something, as if it’s a magical ability, as in Chris’s skill in coding is straight-up sorcery. The word wizardry is used (even more commonly) in the same way. A person who’s skilled in this way can be called a wizard, a sorcerer, or a sorceress.

Example: I fear that some evil sorcery has enchanted this land.

The first records of the word sorcery come from the 1200s. It ultimately comes from the Latin sortiārius, meaning “person who casts lots” (referring to a person who tells fortunes).

Fictionally speaking, sorcery is a magic (the kind with supernatural power, not the kind with card tricks). Sorcerers are often villains in the stories where they appear, but this is not always the case. Sorcery only sometimes implies evil, but it always implies great magical power and skill. The figurative use of the word usually doesn’t imply evil. When you call someone’s cooking sorcery, it’s a compliment meaning that they make magic in the kitchen with their great skill—not that they use their powers for evil.

What are some other forms related to sorcery?

• sorceries (plural)
• sorcerer (noun, gender-neutral and male version)
• sorceress (noun, female version)
• sorcerous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for sorcery?

• wizardry
• magic

What are some words that share a root or word element with sorcery? 

• ensorcell

What are some words that often get used in discussing sorcery?

• evil
• powerful
• power
• conjure
• magician
• wizard
• witch
• spell
• fantasy
• skill

The word sorcery is most commonly used in the context of fantasy, but it’s also used in a figurative way.

It is now June 6 in parts of the Pacific Ocean. At last, Lackington's is open to new submissions! Our theme is "Magics". Stun us with your tales of sorcery and glamour! pic.twitter.com/6go2wgzvX5

— Lackington's Magazine (@Lackingtons) June 5, 2018

High Score is our series dedicated to the incredible world of video game music. Tonight, presenter Eímear Noone showcases the greatest music from video games inspired by ancient legends, powerful sorcery and mythical beasts, with music of Okami, Baldur’s Gate, God of War & more. pic.twitter.com/fzJ4xyfJMv

— Classic FM (@ClassicFM) July 20, 2019

20+ goals and 20+ assists for Lionel Football Messi in La Liga this season. This is not football. It's a sorcery exhibition. 👽 pic.twitter.com/FCN8O4H9Y0

— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku) July 11, 2020

True or False? 

Sorcery is always evil.