Definition

1. Noun:
   • A magical illusion or trick: An act of creating an illusion that appears supernatural, often perceived as magic by those who do not understand the method.
   • The act of summoning a spirit or demon: The practice of invoking a supernatural being through a ritual or incantation.
   • A ritualistic recitation: The chanting or speaking of specific words or sounds, believed to possess magical power to achieve a desired effect.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The magician's conjuration of a dove from an empty hat amazed the audience. (This refers to the illusory feat.)
  • The ancient manuscript described a dangerous conjuration for calling forth a demon. (This refers to the act of summoning a spirit.)
  • The witch performed a conjuration, reciting the old verses to protect the village. (This refers to the ritual recitation.)

Advanced Usage

• "By conjuration": Through the use of magic or incantation.
  • He claimed the treasure was found not by skill, but by conjuration.
• "To perform a conjuration": To carry out a magical ritual.
  • The sorcerer prepared to perform a conjuration under the full moon.

Variants and Related Words

• Conjure (verb): To summon a spirit or to perform magic; to bring something to mind.
  • The shaman could conjure visions of the future.
• Conjurer/Conjuror (noun): A person who performs conjurations; a magician.
  • The conjurer claimed he could speak with the dead.

Synonyms

• Incantation: A series of words said as a magic spell or charm.
• Invocation: The act of calling upon a deity, spirit, etc., for aid or inspiration.
• Illusion: A deceptive appearance or impression.
• Enchantment: The use of magic; a magical spell.

Related Phrases

• To conjure up (phrasal verb): To bring to mind or to create as if by magic.
  • The smell of cookies conjured up memories of her grandmother's kitchen.
• To conjure away (phrasal verb): To make something disappear as if by magic.
  • He wished he could conjure away all his problems.

Related Idioms

• Black art of conjuration: Refers to the practice of sorcery or necromancy, often with a negative connotation.
  • The villagers feared him, believing he practiced the black art of conjuration.

Noun

1. an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
2. calling up a spirit or devil
3. a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect