witchcraft

American  

[wich-kraft] / ˈwɪtʃˌkræft /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

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witchcraft British  

/ ˈwɪtʃˌkrɑːft /

noun

1. the art or power of bringing magical or preternatural power to bear or the act or practice of attempting to do so

2. the influence of magic or sorcery

3. fascinating or bewitching influence or charm

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witchcraft Cultural  

1. Popularly believed to be the practice of black magic. Witches are known today as followers of Wicca, a pagan nature religion with roots in pre-Christian western Europe. Wicca is now undergoing a revival, especially in the United States and Great Britain.

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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:

• sorcery vs. witchcraft

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

In a country where bats are often associated with witchcraft, Tanshi successfully launched a community-led campaign to protect them by preventing wildfires in the areas where they live.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

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

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

You’re more than allowed to believe him abominable, and maybe do some witchcraft so his hairline starts receding at an unprecedented rate.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

Among the many scapegoats chosen were elderly women living alone, who were charged with witchcraft: Kepler’s mother was carried away in the middle of the night in a laundry chest.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• black magic
• occult
• voodoo