sorcery

noun

sor·​cery ˈsȯr-sə-rē 

ˈsȯrs-rē

1

: the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining : necromancy

2

: magic sense 2a

Synonyms

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

Examples of sorcery in a Sentence

in olden times people suspected of sorcery were often put to death

Recent Examples on the Web

Lawrence-Mathers not only shows the bonds between religion and sorcery but examines the sheer beauty of the manuscripts involved, from illumination to illustration. —Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025

Currently untitled, the film is set in the present-day South, watching as a young woman’s reality is turned inside out when a school project unveils a powerful history of magic and sorcery in her family. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2024

Endgame sorceries, mob-melting moves, and ground-shaking incantations can be yours in next to no time. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

This was some unsettling prediction sorcery — but, luckily, there was a solution. —Amelia Edelman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sorcerie, from Anglo-French, from sorcer sorcerer, from Medieval Latin sortiarius, from Latin sort-, sors chance, lot — more at series

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sorcery

noun

sor·​cery ˈsȯrs-(ə-)rē 

: the use of powers gotten with the help of or by the control of evil spirits : witchcraft