incantation

noun

in·​can·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

: a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic

also : a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect

incantational

ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

incantatory

in-ˈkan-tə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Did you know?

Incantation comes directly from the Latin word incantare, "enchant". Incantare itself has cantare as a root, which reminds us that magic and ritual have always been associated with chanting and music. Incantations have often been in strange languages; "Abracadabra" is a not-so-serious version of an incantation.

Synonyms

• abracadabra
• bewitchment
• charm
• conjuration
• enchantment
• glamour
• glamor
• hex
• invocation
• spell
• whammy

Examples of incantation in a Sentence

trying to produce a miracle by incantation

hovering over the sick child, the witch doctor muttered mysterious incantations

Recent Examples on the Web

Her spectral trip-hop incantations are a departure from the maximalist, four-on-the-floor Brat bops ripping through the internet. —Suzy Exposito, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024

Plot: Dead bodies from the local cemetery come back to life after Bart utters an incantation from The Time Life Book of Magic and Spells, Vol. II. —Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Wanda cursed Hahn's Agatha to live out her days playing out her own distorted reality as Agnes, until a young goth horror enthusiast shows up to break the witch free with an incantation. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Alice draws a circle around Lilia uttering some sort of incantation as Patti LuPone’s witch writhes on the floor in her glittery jump suit and orange coat. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English incantacioun, from Middle French incantation, from Late Latin incantation-, incantatio, from Latin incantare to enchant — more at enchant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

incantation

noun

in·​can·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

: a series of words used to produce a magic spell