witchcraft
/'wit kr :ft/
Definition
- Noun:
- The practice of magic, especially the use of supernatural powers to influence events or people, often associated with sorcery or the invocation of spirits. This is the core meaning, referring to the art, practices, or skills of a witch.
- A compelling or irresistible influence or charm. This is a figurative, less common meaning, describing a powerful, often mysterious, attraction.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Primary Meaning):
- The historical figure was accused of witchcraft and put on trial.
- Some ancient cultures believed in the power of witchcraft to heal or to harm.
- Noun (Figurative Meaning):
- She captivated the audience with the sheer witchcraft of her performance.
Advanced Usage
- "to practice witchcraft": to engage in the rituals or arts of magic.
- The villagers feared those rumored to practice witchcraft.
- "an accusation of witchcraft": a charge alleging someone is a witch or uses sorcery.
- The accusation of witchcraft was often used to settle personal vendettas.
Variants and Related Words
- Witch (n): a person, traditionally a woman, who practices witchcraft or magic.
- Sorcery (n): the use of magic, especially black magic; often used synonymously with witchcraft.
- Wizardry (n): the art or practices of a wizard; skilled magic, sometimes with a less negative connotation than witchcraft.
Synonyms
- Sorcery: The use of magic, especially involving evil spirits.
- Necromancy: A form of magic involving communication with the dead.
- Enchantment: The state of being under a magical spell; a feeling of great delight.
- Bewitchment: The act of enchanting or casting a spell over someone.
Related Phrases
- Witch hunt: A campaign directed against a person or group holding unorthodox or unpopular views, drawing a parallel to historical searches for witches.
- The political campaign turned into a modern witch hunt.
Related Idioms
- Work like witchcraft: To be astonishingly effective or successful, as if by magic.
- His new strategy worked like witchcraft to solve the problem.
Noun
-
the art of sorcery
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