witchcraft
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the use of magic or supernatural powers to change things or see the future.
the practice of magic, sorcery, or the invocation of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.
Simple“In the story, the old woman was accused of using witchcraft to ruin the harvest.”
In context“Historical records from the seventeenth century detail numerous trials where individuals were prosecuted for allegedly practicing witchcraft against their neighbours.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a modern religious or spiritual way of life that involves nature and magic.
a contemporary spiritual or religious practice, such as Wicca, involving nature-based rituals and belief in magic.
Simple“She studies modern witchcraft and spends a lot of time learning about herbs.”
In context“The shop specialises in books and supplies for those interested in the history and practice of modern witchcraft.”
Synonymspaganismwicca - 03 C1 Advanced
a powerful or mysterious quality that attracts people.
an irresistible, fascinating, or seemingly magical influence or charm exerted by a person or thing.
Simple“The witchcraft of her singing voice held the entire audience silent.”
In context“The poet wrote extensively about the witchcraft of the moonlit landscape, which seemed to cast a spell over all who saw it.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
technology that is so advanced it seems like magic to people.
a metaphor for highly advanced technology or skill that appears inexplicable to the uninitiated.
Simple“To my grandfather, the way a smartphone works is pure witchcraft.”
In context“The software engineer performed a bit of digital witchcraft to recover the files from the corrupted hard drive.”
From Middle English wicchecraft, wicchecreft, from Old English wiċċecræft, equivalent to witch + -craft.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.