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.
In Nigeria, bats are commonly associated with witchcraft and are feared, but she and her team engages with the community through "multiple forms of media" with a particular focus on children.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 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
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
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 • Nov. 4, 2025
Apparently, by some freak or witchcraft, it could not penetrate here.
From "Beowulf: A New Telling" by Robert Nye
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.
