Definition

Noun: - The practice of magic that seeks to invoke or manipulate malevolent forces, evil spirits, or occult powers, typically with the intent to cause harm, control events unnaturally, or achieve personal gain through supernatural means. It is often contrasted with "white magic," which is purportedly used for benevolent purposes.

Usage

• "Black magic" is used as a non-count noun to refer to the general practice or belief system.
• It is commonly found in contexts discussing folklore, superstition, certain religious condemnations, horror stories, and historical accounts of witchcraft.
• Example:
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• "to be accused of black magic": To be charged with using malevolent supernatural practices.
  • In the past, many women were wrongly accused of black magic.
• "dabbling in black magic": To experiment or engage superficially with such practices.
  • The novel's protagonist foolishly began dabbling in black magic.

Variants and Related Words

• Sorcery (n): The use of magic, especially black magic.
• Witchcraft (n): The practice of magic, often specifically referring to that which is perceived as evil or harmful.
• Necromancy (n): A specific form of magic involving communication with the dead, often considered a type of black magic.
• Dark arts (n phrase): A synonymous, often more literary, term for black magic.

Synonyms

• Dark magic
• Maleficium (a historical/legal term for harmful magic)
• Evil sorcery

Related Phrases

• Black magician (n): A practitioner of black magic.
  • The legend spoke of a powerful black magician who lived in the forest.

Idioms and Common Collocations

• "the black arts": Another term for black magic.
  • He was a scholar who studied the history of the black arts.
• "a practitioner of black magic": A formal way to describe someone who performs it.
  • The story warned against seeking help from a practitioner of black magic.

Noun

1. the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world