witch hunt

American  

[wich-huhnt] / ˈwɪtʃˌhʌnt /

Or witch-hunt

noun

1. (in historical use) the investigation, trial, and punishment of alleged practitioners of witchcraft.

2. an intensive inquiry, originally or purportedly to discover and expose dishonesty, subversion, or other wrongdoing, the scope and conclusions of which often include and bring harm to innocent persons or their reputations through reliance on hearsay or circumstantial evidence.

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verb (used with object)

1. to subject to a witch hunt.

   The defendant claimed he was being witch-hunted due to his political activism.

witch-hunt British  

noun

1. a rigorous campaign to round up or expose dissenters on the pretext of safeguarding the welfare of the public

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Other Word Forms

• witch hunter noun
• witch-hunter noun
• witch-hunting adjective

Etymology

Origin of witch hunt

First recorded in 1885–90 witch hunt for def. 1; in 1935–40 witch hunt for def. 2; and in 1945–50 witch hunt for def. 3; the gerund witch-hunting was first recorded in 1635–40

Example Sentences

Thierry Breton, the former top tech regulator at the European Commission, suggested that a "witch hunt" was taking place.

From BBC

The brothers have not made any public statements, but their lawyer told the court that they were being made victims of a "witch hunt".

From BBC

Asked by the BBC if she stood by the claim there was a witch hunt, Sultana said: "Absolutely."

From BBC

A spokesperson for Sultana said: "This witch hunt is indefensible - we must build a party that welcomes all socialists."

From BBC

“What we’re seeing is a witch hunt against lesbians,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal