witchcraft

[ wich-kraft ]

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.

witchcraft

/ 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

witchcraft

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 .

Notes

Old misunderstandings and hysterical accusations have led to persecution of “witches,” most famously in the Salem witch trials of 1692.

Word History and Origins

Origin of witchcraft¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English wicchecraft, Old English wiccecræft; equivalent to witch + craft

Synonym Study

See magic.

Example Sentences

The last woman believed to have been executed in England for witchcraft may have avoided the gallows, according to new research.

From BBC

Activist Leo Igwe is at the forefront of efforts to help people accused of witchcraft in Nigeria, as it can destroy their lives - and even lead to them being lynched.

From BBC

The transmission of knowledge between these characters mirrors the way witchcraft has historically been shared across generations, either with elders teaching initiates or peers learning from one another.

From Salon

Playing an acid-tongue dowager or master teacher of witchcraft came naturally to her, but what thrilled her about acting was its transformative freedom.

From Los Angeles Times

In order to heal witchcraft, Wanda walked the road further than anyone else ever had and had to face various magical creatures and demons along the way.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• black magic
• occult
• voodoo