Word
witchcraft
Phoneticswitch·craft, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪtʃˌkɹæft/
UK/wˈɪtʃkɹɑːft/
Definitions
01magic and sorcery
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion
n. the use of magic or supernatural powers to change things or see the future.
n. the practice of magic, sorcery, or the invocation of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.
“In the story, the old woman was accused of using witchcraft to ruin the harvest.”
“Historical records from the seventeenth century detail numerous trials where individuals were prosecuted for allegedly practicing witchcraft against their neighbours.”
02modern spiritual practice
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Religion
n. a modern religious or spiritual way of life that involves nature and magic.
n. a contemporary spiritual or religious practice, such as Wicca, involving nature-based rituals and belief in magic.
“She studies modern witchcraft and spends a lot of time learning about herbs.”
“The shop specialises in books and supplies for those interested in the history and practice of modern witchcraft.”
03magical influence or charm
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary
n. a powerful or mysterious quality that attracts people.
n. an irresistible, fascinating, or seemingly magical influence or charm exerted by a person or thing.
“The witchcraft of her singing voice held the entire audience silent.”
“The poet wrote extensively about the witchcraft of the moonlit landscape, which seemed to cast a spell over all who saw it.”
Synonyms
04advanced technology
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Humorous · Informal
n. technology that is so advanced it seems like magic to people.
n. a metaphor for highly advanced technology or skill that appears inexplicable to the uninitiated.
“To my grandfather, the way a smartphone works is pure witchcraft.”
“The software engineer performed a bit of digital witchcraft to recover the files from the corrupted hard drive.”
Real-World Examples
“Naturally holed stones, often referred to as “ hag stones ,” were widely used across Britain in the 19th century to provide good luck, as well as to protect against witchcraft and bad dreams.” “Naturally holed stones, often known as "hag stones" , were widely used across Britain in the 19th century to provide good luck, as well as to protect against witchcraft and bad dreams.” Etymology
From Middle English wicchecraft, wicchecreft, from Old English wiċċecræft, equivalent to witch + -craft.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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