Definition

1. Noun:
   • The performance of tricks that seem magical, especially ones involving sleight of hand: "Conjuring" refers to the art of performing illusions or magic tricks to entertain an audience, often by making things appear, disappear, or transform.
   • The act of summoning a spirit or demon by invocation or incantation: In a historical or occult context, "conjuring" can mean the practice of calling upon a supernatural entity through spells or rituals.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Magic Tricks):

  • The magician's conjuring amazed the children at the party.
  • He learned the art of conjuring from a famous illusionist.

• Noun (Summoning Spirits):

  • The old book contained instructions for the conjuring of spirits.
  • Tales of witches conjuring demons were common in medieval folklore.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Conjuring up": This phrasal verb means to create or bring something to mind, often something intangible like an image, memory, or feeling. It is the most common modern usage derived from "conjuring."
  • The smell of cookies conjured up memories of her grandmother's kitchen.
  • The author has a talent for conjuring up vivid scenes with her words.

Variants and Related Words

• Conjure (verb): To perform magic tricks or to summon a spirit. Also used figuratively to mean "to create or produce as if by magic."
  • The chef can conjure a delicious meal from just a few ingredients.
• Conjurer/Conjuror (noun): A person who performs conjuring; a magician or someone who summons spirits.
• Conjuration (noun): A magic spell or incantation; the act of conjuring.

Synonyms

• Magic: The art of producing illusions or supernatural effects.
• Illusion: A deceptive appearance or impression.
• Sorcery: The use of magic, especially black magic.
• Necromancy: The supposed practice of communicating with the dead, often involving conjuring spirits.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Conjure away: To make something disappear as if by magic.
  • With a wave of his hand, he seemed to conjure away the pain.
• Name conjuring: Not a standard idiom, but "name" can be used with "conjure" in the sense of invoking an idea (e.g., ).

Noun

1. calling up a spirit or devil