witch

American  

[wich] / wɪtʃ /

noun

1. a person, especially a woman, who professes or is supposed to practice magic or sorcery; a sorceress.

   This novel was about a meek businessman marrying a beautiful witch who uses her magic to help him succeed in business.

2. a woman who is supposed to have evil or wicked magical powers.

   The movie features stereotypical witches in black robes and pointed hats.

3. a person who practices magic as a spiritual observance, especially as associated with neopaganism or Wicca.

   She became a witch after an interest in tarot and astrology led her to classes at a local mystic shop.

4. an ugly or mean old woman; hag.

   She was constantly in conflict with the old witch who used to own the building.

5. a person who uses a divining rod; dowser.

   They hired a water witch to find the best location for the new well.

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verb (used with object)

1. to bring or cause by or as if by witchcraft (often followed by into, to, etc.).

   She witched him into going.

2. Archaic. to affect as if by witchcraft; bewitch; charm.

verb (used without object)

1. to prospect with a divining rod; dowse.

   She witches for water, oil, and minerals, but won't take money for her services.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designed as protection against witches.

   Bad weather, decreased income, and weak government may have contributed to the witch trial period in Europe.

   A witch bottle contained a number of different objects and ingredients to make up a defensive spell.

witch ¹ British  

/ wɪtʃ /

noun

1. historically, in mythology and fiction, a woman believed to practise magic or sorcery, esp black magic

2. a practitioner of a Nature-based religion founded on ancient beliefs, which honours both a male and female divine principle and includes the practice of magic, esp healing magic, and divination

3. informal an ugly or wicked woman

4. a fascinating or enchanting woman

5. short for water witch

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verb

1. (tr) to cause or change by or as if by witchcraft

2. a less common word for bewitch

witch ² British  

/ wɪtʃ /

noun

1. a flatfish, Pleuronectes (or Glyptocephalus ) cynoglossus, of N Atlantic coastal waters, having a narrow greyish-brown body marked with tiny black spots: family Pleuronectidae (plaice, flounders, etc)

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witch- ³ British  

prefix

1. having pliant branches

   witchweed

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Other Word Forms

• underwitch noun
• witchhood noun
• witchlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of witch

First recorded before 900; Middle English wicche, Old English wicce, feminine of wicca “wizard”; wicked

Example Sentences

Her new collection pays tribute to women persecuted during historical witch hunts.

From Barron's

The one about a young witch who discovered a crack in the air and found herself in the Red Woods, where she lived with the royal family of jackalopes.

From Literature

“You suffered for a few years and now you are the least of this witch hunt,” she added.

From Salon

Even if they’re about wizards and witches or other magical stuff.

From Literature

She was in her tía’s lap, listening to her stories about face-changing witches defeated with mustard seeds, and beautiful princesses sealed in caves by greedy suitors.

From Literature

Related Words

• magician