witchcraft

[ wich-kraft, -krahft ]
/ ˈwɪtʃˌkræft, -ˌkrɑft /

noun

the art or practices of a witch; sorcery; magic.
magical influence; witchery.

Origin of witchcraft

before 950; Middle English wicchecraft, Old English wiccecræft. See witch, craft

SYNONYMS FOR witchcraft

1 See magic.

Example sentences from the Web for witchcraft

British Dictionary definitions for witchcraft

witchcraft
/ (ˈwɪtʃˌkrɑːft) /

noun

the art or power of bringing magical or preternatural power to bear or the act or practice of attempting to do so
the influence of magic or sorcery
fascinating or bewitching influence or charm

Cultural definitions for witchcraft

witchcraft

Popularly believed to be the practice of black magic. Witches are known today as followers of Wicca, a pagan nature religion with roots in pre-Christian western Europe. Wicca is now undergoing a revival, especially in the United States and Great Britain.

notes for witchcraft

Old misunderstandings and hysterical accusations have led to persecution of “witches,” most famously in the Salem witch trials of 1692.