Definition

Noun: An act or performance that creates an illusion of the impossible or supernatural, designed to entertain and amaze an audience by seemingly defying natural laws. It relies on skill, deception, or special apparatus to create its effect.

Usage

The term "magic trick" refers to a single, self-contained performance of illusion. It is a countable noun. - The magician performed a classic magic trick with a deck of cards. - She learned her first magic trick when she was ten years old. - Can you show me how that magic trick works?

Examples

• His most famous magic trick involved making the Statue of Liberty disappear.
• For his final magic trick, he pulled a rabbit out of an empty hat.
• The children watched the magic trick with wide-eyed amazement.

Advanced Usage

• "to perform/do a magic trick": This is the standard collocation for executing the illusion.
  • He performed a brilliant magic trick for the guests.
• "to know a magic trick": Implies understanding the method behind the illusion.
  • Do you know any good card magic tricks?
• "the magic trick behind/with/involving...": Used to specify the props or theme of the trick.
  • The magic trick with the floating ball captivated everyone.

Variants and Related Words

• Illusion (n): Something that deceives the senses or mind; a broader term that can include magic tricks.
• Sleight of hand (n): Manual dexterity, typically used in close-up magic tricks, especially with cards or coins.
• Conjuring trick (n): A synonym for "magic trick," often with a slightly more formal or traditional connotation.
• Prestidigitation (n): A formal term for performance magic or sleight of hand.

Synonyms

• Illusion
• Conjuring trick
• Feat of magic
• Deception (in the context of performance)

Related Phrases

• Magic act (n): A longer sequence or routine of magic tricks performed as a show.
• Magic show (n): A full performance consisting of multiple magic tricks and acts.

Noun

1. an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers