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

Example Sentences

Belief in witchcraft is also so deeply ingrained in Sierra Leone, even among many police officers, that there is often a fear of pursuing cases further - and most go unsolved.

From BBC

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

Conspiracy theories about Lungu have spread across Zambia—from suggestions he isn’t really dead to rumors that Hichilema wants the corpse for witchcraft purposes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Other signs of witchcraft listed in local records include not attending church and talking to animals, which were assumed to be a witch's familiar - meaning a supernatural creature helping the accused.

From BBC

If anything, it’s surged in recent years, due in part to the popularity of “The Conjuring” films and constant talk of devils and witchcraft on social media.

From Salon

Related Words

• black magic
• occult
• voodoo