Definition

Noun: 1. The use of magic, especially involving spells and the invocation of supernatural powers, often for evil or selfish purposes: Sorcery refers to the practice of attempting to manipulate events or control nature through the use of rituals, incantations, or spells believed to harness occult forces. 2. Witchcraft; black magic: It is often synonymous with practices considered malevolent or involving evil spirits.

Examples

• The villagers accused the old woman of using sorcery to curse their crops.
• In the legend, the hero needed a powerful amulet to protect himself from the dark sorcery of the wizard.
• The book details ancient forms of sorcery from various cultures.

Advanced Usage

• "Sorcery and witchcraft": A common pairing emphasizing the practice of magic, often in a historical or anthropological context.
  • The laws of the time prohibited all forms of sorcery and witchcraft.
• "An act of sorcery": Used to describe a specific magical deed or event.
  • The sudden storm was believed to be an act of sorcery.

Variants and Related Words

• Sorcerer (n): A person, typically male, who practices sorcery; a wizard.
  • The sorcerer cast a spell on the kingdom.
• Sorceress (n): A woman who practices sorcery; a witch.
  • The sorceress lived in a tower deep in the forest.
• Sorcerous (adj): Having the qualities of or relating to sorcery.
  • The artifact was said to possess sorcerous powers.

Synonyms

• Witchcraft: The practice of magic, especially for malevolent purposes.
• Wizardry: Skill in magic (can be neutral or positive, unlike sorcery which often has negative connotations).
• Necromancy: A specific form of sorcery involving communication with the dead.
• Black magic: Magic used for evil purposes; synonymous with the malevolent aspect of sorcery.

Related Phrases

• "By sorcery": Indicating that something was accomplished through magical means.
  • The gates were opened not by force, but by sorcery.
• "Practice sorcery": The act of engaging in sorcerous arts.
  • It was forbidden to practice sorcery within the city walls.

Noun

1. the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world