witchcraft

noun

witch·​craft ˈwich-ˌkraft How to pronounce witchcraft (audio)
1
a
: the use of sorcery or magic
b
: communication with the devil or with a familiar
2
: an irresistible influence or fascination
3
a
: rituals and practices that incorporate belief in magic and that are associated especially with neo-pagan traditions and religions (such as Wicca)
Practitioners of Wicca … use the tools … such as the broom (a purifying symbol), the wand, candles, crystals and the knife …. They refer to their practices as witchcraftLesley Wright
b
or less commonly Witchcraft : a tradition or religion that involves the practice of witchcraft
Feminist witchcraft sees women's oppression and environmental abuse, which they argue are intimately linked, as firmly rooted in patriarchal religions.Wendy Griffin
Wicca, which emerged in the 1940s in England, is the original form of modern Pagan Witchcraft.Meg Yardley

Examples of witchcraft in a Sentence

taught all of her daughters witchcraft
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Continuing in the tradition of such Disney+ witchcraft staples as the Hocus Pocus movie franchise and Marvel’s Agatha All Along, Disney Branded Television has given a pilot order to Coven Academy (woking title), a single-camera supernatural dramedy for Disney Channel and Disney+. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2025 The two women and their supporters are seeking a pardon, an apology and a national memorial in honor of all those accused and convicted of witchcraft during the law’s 173-year reign. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Mar. 2025 Burns said that the group encouraged Jason to reject modern medicine, with some members allegedly believing the medication was witchcraft. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 In fact, the clip has nothing to do with witchcraft but rather serves as a showcase of the adorable bond between two siblings. Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for witchcraft

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of witchcraft was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Witchcraft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witchcraft. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

witchcraft

noun
witch·​craft -ˌkraft How to pronounce witchcraft (audio)
: the use of sorcery or magic

More from Merriam-Webster on witchcraft

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