Meaning & use
witchcraft
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
The practice of magic, especially spells and rituals believed to influence people or events supernaturally.
Grammar: Uncountable; used without 'a' or a plural: 'She studied witchcraft.'
Patterns
- practice witchcraft
- accuse someone of witchcraft
- a belief in witchcraft
In some cultures, witchcraft is still feared and respected.
She was accused of witchcraft and put on trial.
The book explores the history of witchcraft in Europe.
noununcountablefigurative
A magical power or influence that seems to make impossible things happen.
Grammar: Used figuratively; often in phrases like 'pure witchcraft'.
Patterns
- pure witchcraft
- work like witchcraft
The way she fixed the computer seemed like pure witchcraft.
His charm worked like witchcraft on the audience.
Common combinations
- practice witchcraft
- The group meets in secret to practice witchcraft.
- accuse someone of witchcraft
- In the past, people could be accused of witchcraft for the smallest reason.
- a belief in witchcraft
- A belief in witchcraft remains strong in some rural communities.
- trial for witchcraft
- The trial for witchcraft drew crowds from nearby towns.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sorcery
- Similar meaning, but often suggests a more formal or literary style and sometimes evil magic.
- magic
- A general word for supernatural power; 'witchcraft' is more specific to the practices of witches.
- wizardry
- Often used for impressive skill or male magic, while 'witchcraft' is traditionally associated with women.
Word family
Commonly confused: witchcraft or wizardry?
witchcraft vs wizardry
Often refers to the magic of a wizard or to amazing skill; 'witchcraft' is the broader term for magical practices.
Practice
In the 17th century, many people were executed after being accused of ______.
Choose one answer.
'Witchcraft' is the practice of magic, which people were accused of. 'Witch-hunt' is the campaign to find witches, not the practice itself; 'witch grass' is a plant; 'witch doctor' is a person.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “witchcraft”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.