# witchcraft

/ˈwɪtʃˌkɹæft/ (US) · /wˈɪtʃkɹɑːft/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/witchcraft
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. magic and sorcery

noun · CEFR B2

the use of magic or supernatural powers to change things or see the future.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. modern spiritual practice

noun · CEFR B2

a modern religious or spiritual way of life that involves nature and magic.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. magical influence or charm

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a powerful or mysterious quality that attracts people.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. advanced technology

noun · CEFR C2 · Humorous · Informal

technology that is so advanced it seems like magic to people.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The old stories are full of mystery and witchcraft.
- During the seventeenth century, many innocent people were accused of practicing witchcraft due to local superstitions.
- Anthropologists study how accusations of witchcraft often surface during periods of social instability, serving as a mechanism to explain misfortune or enforce community norms.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.