witchcraft

noun

witch·​craft ˈwich-ˌkraft 

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 witchcraft …

—Lesley 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

Synonyms

• bewitchery
• bewitchment
• conjuring
• devilry
• deviltry
• diablerie
• enchantment
• ensorcellment
• magic
• mojo
• necromancy
• sorcery
• thaumaturgy
• voodooism
• witchery
• wizardry

Examples of witchcraft in a Sentence

taught all of her daughters witchcraft

Recent Examples on the Web

Global Vision has held conferences and events that have included inviting people to burn items the church relates to witchcraft and the occult, which have gained reaction. —Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 19 Nov. 2024

The power of belief can shape our experiences, and in modern-day witchcraft, the energy and intention behind a curse can manifest misfortune if someone allows that negative energy to take root in their mind or life. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024

The duality of dark and light is key to witchcraft, and to the most impactful TV witches on our list. —Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2024

Tituba learns the power of herbs and healing from a wise elder in Barbados and her knowledge of the natural world leads to her eventual accusation of witchcraft in America. —Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

witchcraft

noun

witch·​craft -ˌkraft 

: the use of sorcery or magic