witch hunt

American  

[wich-huhnt] / ˈwɪtʃˌhʌnt /

Or witch-hunt

noun

1. (in historical use) the investigation, trial, and punishment of alleged practitioners of witchcraft.

2. an intensive inquiry, originally or purportedly to discover and expose dishonesty, subversion, or other wrongdoing, the scope and conclusions of which often include and bring harm to innocent persons or their reputations through reliance on hearsay or circumstantial evidence.

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verb (used with object)

1. to subject to a witch hunt.

   The defendant claimed he was being witch-hunted due to his political activism.

witch-hunt British  

noun

1. a rigorous campaign to round up or expose dissenters on the pretext of safeguarding the welfare of the public

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Other Word Forms

• witch hunter noun
• witch-hunter noun
• witch-hunting adjective

Etymology

Origin of witch hunt

First recorded in 1885–90 witch hunt for def. 1; in 1935–40 witch hunt for def. 2; and in 1945–50 witch hunt for def. 3; the gerund witch-hunting was first recorded in 1635–40

Example Sentences

“What we’re seeing is a witch hunt against lesbians,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

The pardon preempts that sort of actual witch hunt.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2024

There is a bruising public airing of the claims, followed by a backlash and claims of a witch hunt.

From Slate • Nov. 20, 2024

Crowther always denied any involvement in stealing Lanne’s remains - his backers called the allegations a witch hunt - but the town was horrified, and he was suspended from his honorary position at the hospital.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2024

My reply: Venkat, tell the investigation committee they’ll have to do their witch hunt without me.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir