Definition

1. Noun:
   • A witch doctor who practices conjury: A "conjure man" is a person, typically a man, who is believed to have supernatural powers, often within certain folk traditions, especially in the Southern United States and the Caribbean. He practices conjury, which involves magic, spells, and communication with spirits to heal, protect, or influence events.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The villagers went to the old conjure man for a charm to protect their home.
  • In the story, the conjure man could make crops grow or wither with his words.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or folkloric contexts, particularly related to African American folk magic traditions like Hoodoo.
• It can imply a specific social role within a community, distinct from a mainstream medical doctor or religious leader.

Variants and Related Words

• Conjure woman (n): The female equivalent of a conjure man.
• Conjurer / Conjuror (n): A more general term for someone who performs conjuring tricks or magic.
• Root doctor (n): A similar folk healer who uses roots and herbs, often overlapping with the practices of a conjure man.

Synonyms

• Witch doctor: A person who uses magic to cure illness and drive away evil spirits.
• Medicine man: A person believed to have healing and magical powers in some Indigenous cultures.
• Sorcerer: A person who claims to use magic powers.

Related Phrases

• To conjure (something): To make something appear or happen as if by magic.
  • The magician seemed to conjure a rabbit from his hat.

Related Idioms

• Conjure up: To bring a thought, picture, or memory to someone's mind.
  • The smell of pine conjures up memories of childhood winters. (Note: This common phrasal verb uses "conjure" in a figurative, non-literal sense and is not specific to a "conjure man.")

Noun

1. a witch doctor who practices conjury