witching

[wich-ing]

noun

1. the use or practice of witchcraft.

2. fascination; charm; enchantment.

adjective

1. of, characterized by, or suitable for sorcery or black magic.

   a witching potion.

2. enchanting; fascinating.

witching

/ ˈwɪtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. relating to or appropriate for witchcraft

2. rare,  bewitching

noun

1. witchcraft; magic

Other Word Forms

• witchingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of witching¹

before 1000; Middle English wicching (noun and adj.), Old English wiccung (noun), derivative of wiccian to practice witchcraft. See witch, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

I’m often awake at the witching hours, going on late-night death calls, strolling through the silent corridors of nursing homes.

From Salon

In the afternoon show timed for that sweet spot many parents know well — post-nap and right before the evening witching hours — Pearce pranced, high-fived kids and waved at babies being hoisted in the air.

From Los Angeles Times

The witching hour has begun, a disquieting moment for them to have nothing to do.

From Los Angeles Times

As the witching hour approached, a buzzing crowd mingled, played themed character games and snagged official “Iron Flame” merch as they waited to pick up their limited-edition hardcovers at midnight.

From Los Angeles Times

The expiry of quarterly derivatives contracts tied to stocks, index options and futures, also known as triple witching, later in the day is expected to keep markets volatile.

From Reuters

Related Words

• eerie 
• enchanted 
• enchanting 
• extraordinary 
• fascinating 
• magic 
• marvelous 
• miraculous 
• mysterious 
• mythical 
• otherworldly 
• spellbinding www.thesaurus.com
• spooky 
• uncanny 
• unusual 
• weird 
• wonderful