1 witchcraft | Definition of witchcraft

witchcraft

noun
witch·​craft | \ ˈwich-ËŒkraft How to pronounce witchcraft (audio) \

Definition of witchcraft

1a : the use of sorcery or magic
b : communication with the devil or with a familiar
2 : an irresistible influence or fascination
3 : wicca

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Examples of witchcraft in a Sentence

taught all of her daughters witchcraft

Recent Examples on the Web

Headlining a strong cast is Maura Tierney as Elizabeth Sawyer, a real-life figure executed for witchcraft whose search for hope against the odds echoes our own unsure era. Jordan Riefe, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Witch': Theater Review," 30 Aug. 2019 Yet these attitudes aren’t merely historical; women continue to be persecuted for witchcraft in the world today. Constance Grady, Vox, "Meet the medieval Welsh poet who wrote odes to her vagina," 17 Aug. 2019 The Craft tells the story of Hannah, the new kid in high school, whose supernatural powers attract the friendship of three other young women already dabbling in witchcraft. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "Cailee Spaeny in talks to play lead role in The Craft reboot," 22 June 2019 Many of them also live with serious stigma because of cultural and religious beliefs that disabilities are a result of witchcraft and supernatural activities. Aj Willingham, CNN, "A boy's uplifting challenge, some heroic first responders and a ducky derby," 10 Aug. 2019 They are also believed to possess magical qualities that nullify witchcraft and evil spirits, according to the African Wildlife Foundation. Fox News, "Singapore seizes 8.8 tons of elephant ivory in record $48 million bust," 23 July 2019 This Irish native, accused by her stepchildren of performing witchcraft in 1324, was the first in the country to be tried for sorcery as a heretic. Blair Donovan, Country Living, "50 Best Witch Names to Upgrade Your Halloween Costume," 18 July 2019 Angie and Olly Thorn have each addressed witchcraft as a historical form of women’s empowerment, and the ways in which witch-burnings broke this power. Shaan Amin, The New Republic, "Can the Left Win YouTube?," 2 July 2019 Returning to the series’ roots, the new movie opens on Ed and Lorraine Warren, characters based on real-life husband-and-wife consultants of demonology and witchcraft. The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "Review: ‘Annabelle Comes Home’ is good, dumb fun," 28 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'witchcraft.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of witchcraft

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for witchcraft

witchcraft

noun

English Language Learners Definition of witchcraft

: magical things that are done by witches : the use of magical powers obtained especially from evil spirits

witchcraft

noun
witch·​craft | \ ˈwich-ËŒkraft How to pronounce witchcraft (audio) \

Kids Definition of witchcraft

: the use of sorcery or magic

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