theurgy

[ thee-ur-jee ]

noun

, plural the·ur·gies.

1. a system of beneficent magic practiced by the Egyptian Platonists and others.
2. the working of a divine or supernatural agency in human affairs.

theurgy

/ ˈθiːˌɜːdʒɪ /

noun

1. 1. the intervention of a divine or supernatural agency in the affairs of man
   2. the working of miracles by such intervention
2. beneficent magic as taught and performed by Egyptian Neoplatonists and others

Derived Forms

• theˈurgic, adjective
• theˈurgically, adverb
• ˈtheurgist, noun

Other Words From

• the·urgic the·urgi·cal adjective
• theur·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of theurgy¹

1560–70; < Late Latin theūrgia < Greek theourgeía magic. See the-, -urgy

Word History and Origins

Origin of theurgy¹

C16: from Late Latin theūrgia, from Late Greek theourgia the practice of magic, from theo- theo- + -urgia, from ergon work

Example Sentences

Philip appears to have been one of the apostolical men most preccupied with theurgy.

From Project Gutenberg

Both authors show the same admiration for the Gymnosophists, the same distinction between magic and theurgy.

From Project Gutenberg

In regard to Theurgy, the ancients gave this name to that part of magic which is called white magic.

From Project Gutenberg

Theurgy was the second method of counteracting the evil influence of demons.

From Project Gutenberg

This current was so strong that philosophy itself was swept toward mysticism and the neo-Platonist school became a theurgy.

From Project Gutenberg