witch hunt

noun

1
: a searching out for persecution of persons accused of witchcraft
2
: the searching out and deliberate harassment of those (such as political opponents) with unpopular views
witch-hunter noun
witch-hunting noun or adjective

Examples of witch hunt in a Sentence

He was the victim of a congressional witch hunt against Communists.
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.
Over the years, Netanyahu has sought to portray himself as the victim of a witch hunt. Mike Brest, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 10 Dec. 2024 Netanyahu, 75, denies wrongdoing, saying the charges are a witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media and a biased legal system out to topple his lengthy rule. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 Both Gaetz and Trump have been critical of the DOJ, accusing the department of a political witch hunt against the president-elect, who is currently involved in 4 criminal cases. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 The president-elect has pleaded not guilty and has said the case is part of a political witch hunt. Matthew Impelli, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for witch hunt 

Word History

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of witch hunt was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near witch hunt

Cite this Entry

“Witch hunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witch%20hunt. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

witch-hunt

noun
-ˌhənt
1
: a searching out and persecution of persons accused of witchcraft
2
: the searching out and deliberate harassment of those (as political opponents) with unpopular views

More from Merriam-Webster on witch hunt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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