Witchcraft Meaning
/ˈwɪt͡ʃkɹæft/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe practice of witches; magic, sorcery, or the use of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.
nounBlack magic; the use of witchcraft for evil means.
Sentence Examples
The pentagram is an important symbol in witchcraft.
This is not witchcraft.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The villagers believed she used ____ to cause the recent strange sickness in the village.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many several many centuries ago, people were often accused of ____ if they were suspected of having several magical powers today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English wicchecraft, wicchecreft, from Old English wiċċecræft, equivalent to witch + -craft.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Such witchcraft has no power now to show itself, because the people don't believe in it any more."
— 1881, P. Chr. Asbjörnsen [i.e., Peter Christen Asbjørnsen], “A Day with the Capercailzies”, in H. L. Brækstad, transl., Round the Yule Log. Norwegian Folk and Fairy Tales, London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, →OCLC, page 84:
"The way Green practices witchcraft defies stereotypes of broomstick-wielding, cauldron-toting, pointy-hatted witches. He doesn’t belong to a coven. He’s not Wiccan or pagan, religions that are rooted in witchcraft. He has a few cats, though they’re better suited for snuggling than serving as helpful familiars."
— 2024 October 26, Scottie Andrew, “Witches walk among us — but they’re not like the fictional ones you grew up with”, in CNN, archived from the original on 06 Jul 2025:
"There can be no denying that the more than 100 exhibiting companies and divisions also gave full play to examples of their latest technological witchcraft, as befits the foremost US aerospace event."
— 1987, Air Force Magazine, volume 70, page 88:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The villagers believed she used ____ to cause the recent strange sickness in the village.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Many several many centuries ago, people were often accused of ____ if they were suspected of having several magical powers today.