abracadabra
/ˌæbɹəkəˈdæbɹə/
abracadabra means used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed.
abracadabra is pronounced /ˌæbɹəkəˈdæbɹə/.
Why “abracadabra” is a great word
A word used as a magical incantation, especially to accompany a conjuring trick or as a supposed healing charm. Origin unknown; a traditional magical word first attested in Latin in the 2nd–3rd century CE in a medical context, with much conjecture but no definitive evidence linking it to Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek phrases. Unlike "incantation," which denotes a sustained ritual chant, or "jargon," the opaque vocabulary of a trade, "abracadabra" is a self-contained sigil of sound, the distilled essence of arcane language. It is the theatrical flourish that conjures a dove from silk, the triangular amulet scrawled to cure a fever, the whispered promise over a vanished coin—the pure, performative faith that to name a mystery is, for a moment, to command it.
intj
- Used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed.“Next, the conjuror filled a glass with water from a big jug and then covered the tumbler with a cloth. "Abracadabra," he cried and crumpled the cloth.”
noun
- A use of the mystical term ‘abracadabra’, supposed to work as part of a healing charm or a magical spell; any spell or incantation making use of the word.“Where is the necessity of this provision in the Constitution? […] Can anyone believe that we, by any amendments of ours, by any of our scribbling on that parchment, by any amulet, any legerdemain—charm—Abrecadabra—of ours can prevent our sons from doing the same thing—that is, from doing as they please, just as we are doing as we please? It is impossible. Who can bind posterity?”
- Arcane and obscure language of occult rituals or mystical practices.“We made no comment but even Sandra herself could see how ridiculous all this abracadabra must sound to a listener.”
- Mumbo jumbo; obscure language or technicalities; jargon.“I don’t know all the theoretical abracadabra about how it works, I’m only its pilot.”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- conjuration 85% match — Conjuring, legerdemain or magic. vs abracadabra →
- incantation 85% match — The act or process of using formulas and/or usually rhyming words, sung or spoken, with occult ceremonies, for the purpose of raising spirits, producing enchantment, or creating other magical results. vs abracadabra →
- conjure 84% match — To perform magic tricks. vs abracadabra →
- cantrip 83% match — A spell or incantation; a trifling magic trick. vs abracadabra →
- incantate 83% match — To sing or speak formulas and/or rhyming words, often during occult ceremonies, for the purpose of raising spirits, producing enchantment, or creating other magical results. vs abracadabra →
- enchantment 83% match — The act of enchanting or the feeling of being enchanted. vs abracadabra →
- abraxas 83% match — A transcription of Abrasax. vs abracadabra →
- incant 83% match — To state solemnly, to chant. vs abracadabra →