sorcery
sorcery — noun
1. the practice of making things happen by calling on dark powers or wicked spirits
the practice of making things happen by calling on dark powers or wicked spirits, usually to harm or control other people.
The villagers blamed the failed harvest on sorcery and burned the old woman's hut.
blamed [misfortune] on sorcery
Shirin read an old book that claimed a single drop of blood could power dark sorcery.
dark sorcery as the practice of evil magic
In the story, Gabriel used sorcery to call up spirits and frighten his enemies.
Centuries ago, people accused of sorcery were often dragged before a judge and killed.
Valentina believed her sick goat was the work of sorcery, not bad luck.
- witchcraft
near-synonym; stresses spells and a witch figure rather than control of spirits
- black magic
everyday term for the same idea of harmful supernatural power
- necromancy
narrower; specifically calling on the dead to learn hidden things
用法筆記
Almost always uncountable and tied to a folklore or fantasy frame: people are 'accused of', 'practise', or 'use' sorcery, and the powers involved are presented as evil. Distinguish from 'magic', which is neutral and can describe harmless tricks or entertainment.