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.
The military’s biggest extremism problem is mostly related to radical right-wing ideology, and Austin has faced pressure and blowback from GOP congressional lawmakers who have called the effort a political witch hunt. Brad Dress, The Hill, 2 Jan. 2025 Desperate for the truth, Lukas embarks on a witch hunt after evidence points to a young local boy – but as they are plagued by further unexplained, malevolent events, the family unit unravels with devastating consequences. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024 Rodgers’ former Green Bay teammates and head coach stood up for Rodgers in the documentary, which made out that the media was on some sort of witch hunt. Ben Church, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024 Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing, saying the charges are a witch hunt orchestrated by a hostile media and a biased legal system that is out to topple his lengthy rule. NBC News, 10 Dec. 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 26 Jan. 2025.

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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