witchcraft
Americannoun
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the art or practices of a witch; sorcery or magical influence; magic, especially for evil purposes.
She was arrested on the charge of witchcraft in September of 1665.
Some people believe the disease is caused by witchcraft or a curse.
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the modern practice of magic as a spiritual observance, especially as associated with neopaganism or Wicca.
The presence of witchcraft has increased greatly on college campuses in the last ten years.
noun
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the art or power of bringing magical or preternatural power to bear or the act or practice of attempting to do so
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the influence of magic or sorcery
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fascinating or bewitching influence or charm
Related Words
See magic.
Discover More
Old misunderstandings and hysterical accusations have led to persecution of “witches,” most famously in the Salem witch trials of 1692.
Etymology
Origin of witchcraft
First recorded before 950; Middle English wicchecraft, Old English wiccecræft; equivalent to witch + craft
Compare meaning
How does witchcraft compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Witchcraft is a type of magic that involves casting spells and divining the future. Historically, witchcraft was often associated with folk medicine and healing. The word witchcraft has had many meanings over time and in different parts of the world. It has been dangerous to be accused of practicing witchcraft throughout history, and remains so in some places today. For some, witchcraft is simply the practice of the Wiccan religion, while others see witchcraft as evil, involving the dark forces or magic. You can also use this word to mean a bewitching sort of charm.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She distinguished herself writing episodes of weird, atmospheric series including Netflix’s “Brand New Cherry Flavor,” a nightmarish exploration of witchcraft and filmmaking in 1990s L.A., and “Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities,” also for Netflix.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
She has this specific kind of form of witchcraft that she performs to sort of take control of people’s minds and bodies.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026
Supporters say the dogs protect their leader from a variety of threats, including witchcraft, which many Malawians see as a genuine, and dangerous, element of daily life.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026
In September, two men were sentenced to two years in prison for attempting to use witchcraft to kill President Hichilema.
From BBC • Dec. 2, 2025
The new attitude to evidence, which Sprat had praised as ‘this Inquiring, this scrupulous, this incredulous Temper’, had encouraged a general scepticism of miracles, providences and witchcraft.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
