witchcraft means the practice of witches; magic, sorcery, or the use of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, witchcraft ranks #143 of 25,264 for Qualifying, #2,328 of 14,438 for Most Storied Words, #2,350 of 14,448 for Most Incisive Words, #2,574 of 14,448 for Funniest Words.
witchcraft is pronounced /ˈwɪt͡ʃkɹæft/.
Why “witchcraft” is a great word
The practice of or belief in using magic or supernatural powers to influence events or cast spells. From Middle English *wicchecraft*, *wicchecreft*, from Old English *wiċċecræft*, equivalent to *witch* (from Old English *wicca* 'sorcerer' or *wicce* 'sorceress') + *-craft* (meaning 'art, skill, strength'). Unlike "sorcery," which often implies a learned, ritual power derived from external spirits, or "Wicca," a specific modern religion established in the 20th century, witchcraft suggests an older, more innate force residing in the folk tradition. It is the whispered charm over a sick child, the dried herbs hung in bundles from darkened ceiling beams, and the specific chill in a room when a name is spoken with intent—a testament to the persistent human desire to shape a world that remains stubbornly indifferent, a quiet defiance of natural law passed hand to hand like a warm secret.
Etymology
From Middle English wicchecraft, wicchecreft, from Old English wiċċecræft, equivalent to witch + -craft.
noun
- The practice of witches; magic, sorcery, or the use of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.“Wiccans believe in a modernised form of witchcraft.”
- Black magic; the use of witchcraft for evil means.“The Bible warns against the use of witchcraft and sorcery.”
- Something, such as an advanced technology, that seems almost magical.“There can be no denying that the more than 100 exhibiting companies and divisions also gave full play to examples of their latest technological witchcraft, as befits the foremost US aerospace event.”
- An irresistible or seemingly magical influence.
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