theurgy

noun

the·​ur·​gy ˈthē-(ˌ)ər-jē How to pronounce theurgy (audio)
: the art or technique of compelling or persuading a god or beneficent or supernatural power to do or refrain from doing something
theurgic adjective
or theurgical

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin theurgia, from Late Greek theourgia, from theourgos miracle worker, from Greek the- + ergon work — more at work

First Known Use

circa 1569, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of theurgy was circa 1569

Dictionary Entries Near theurgy

Cite this Entry

“Theurgy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theurgy. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on theurgy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!