witch

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. an unkind or mean name for a woman you do not like.

n. a derogatory figurative label for an unpleasant, cruel, or ill-tempered woman.

“My old boss was a total witch who never let anyone take a break.”

“The tabloid press unfairly characterized the actress as a witch after she refused to answer personal questions during the interview.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Religion

n. a person who follows a modern religion like Wicca that respects nature and uses rituals.

n. a practitioner of Wicca or a related neopagan religion, often emphasizing a connection to the natural world.

“She identifies as a witch and celebrates the changing of the seasons.”

“Modern witches often distinguish their spiritual practices from the stereotypical portrayals found in horror films and fairy tales.”

C2 · Proficiency American English · Dialect

v. to use a special stick to try to find water underground.

v. to search for underground water or minerals using a dowsing rod.

“The farmer tried to witch for water before digging the new well.”

“Despite the lack of scientific evidence, some rural communities still hire specialists to witch for water when a new borehole is required.”

C1 · Advanced Literary

v. to use magic on someone or something.

v. to influence or affect by or as if by witchcraft.

“The old stories say she could witch the cattle so they gave no milk.”

“In the ballad, the mysterious lady attempted to witch the knight into forgetting his home and family.”