hocus

[ hoh-kuhs ]

verb (used with object)

, ho·cused, ho·cus·ing or (especially British) ho·cussed, ho·cus·sing.

1. to play a trick on; hoax; cheat.
2. to stupefy with drugged liquor.
3. to drug (liquor).

hocus

/ ˈhəʊkəs /

verb

1. to take in; trick
2. to stupefy, esp with a drug
3. to add a drug to (a drink)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hocus¹

First recorded in 1665–75; short for hocus-pocus

Example Sentences

Despite the resemblance to Bette Midler’s Winifred Sanderson from “Hocus Pocus,” Monsoon says Maestro’s hair design was not an intentional homage.

From Seattle Times

Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy return as the witchy Sanderson sisters in Disney sequel ‘Hocus Pocus 2.’

From Los Angeles Times

Does it get any more generic than that?” the “Hocus Pocus” star joked.

From Los Angeles Times

Curtis spoke about the possibility of a sequel to the Disney film on the heels of Disney+ releasing a sequel to “Hocus Pocus” nearly 30 years later.

From Los Angeles Times

Among those that will be disappearing are messages such as “Use Yah Blinkah” in Massachusetts; “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late,” from Ohio; “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered,” from Pennsylvania; “Hocus pocus, drive with focus” from New Jersey; and “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” from Arizona.

From Seattle Times