Definition

1. Noun:
   • A ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect: An "incantation" is a series of words spoken or chanted as part of a ritual, with the belief that they will produce a magical or supernatural effect, such as casting a spell, healing, or summoning a spirit.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The witch recited an ancient incantation to summon the spirit.
  • Healing through incantation was a common practice in many ancient cultures.
  • The power of the incantation lay not just in the words, but in the precise rhythm of their delivery.

Advanced Usage

• "To chant an incantation": This is the most common verb used with "incantation," emphasizing the vocal and rhythmic nature of the act.
  • The priest chanted the incantation over the sacred fire.
• "As if by incantation": Used figuratively to describe something that happens as if by magic or a mysterious, powerful force.
  • As if by incantation, the crowd fell silent when she began to speak.

Variants and Related Words

• Incantatory (adj): Having the quality of an incantation; used to describe language, rhythm, or sound that is hypnotic, spellbinding, or reminiscent of a magic spell.
  • The poet's incantatory verse captivated the audience.
• To incant (verb, less common): To chant or recite an incantation.
  • The shaman began to incant the words of power.

Synonyms

• Charm: A word, phrase, or action believed to have magic power.
• Spell: A form of words used as a magical charm or incantation.
• Conjuration: The act of summoning a spirit or demon by invocation or incantation.
• Invocation: The act of calling upon a deity, spirit, etc., for aid, protection, or inspiration, often involving a set form of words.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Weave an incantation": A poetic way to describe the act of creating or performing an incantation.
  • The sorcerer wove a complex incantation to protect the castle.
• "The incantation of names": Refers to the ritualistic listing or calling of powerful names, often in magical or religious contexts.
  • The ritual involved the incantation of the names of all the ancestral guardians.

Noun

1. a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect