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.

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

Every year on 1 September, fans gather to celebrate on the day that Hogwarts students always return to the witchcraft and wizardry boarding school for the start of term.

From BBC

But it has now spiralled into a row laced with wild accusations of witchcraft.

From BBC

The Mamdani model is not about ideological purity; it’s about speaking to real people’s concerns, standing on core principles and refusing to concede ground to despicable enemies based on political witchcraft.

From Salon

Bishop Snow accused him of practising witchcraft - both because of the "seance" and the fact Jay happened to have a close friend who was a tarot card reader.

From BBC

But Loomer isn't wrong that, in the past, this behavior would get the evangelical world all worked up over the evils of paganism and witchcraft.

From Salon

Related Words

• black magic 
• occult 
• voodoo