witchcraft
witchcraft — noun
1. traditional practices involving magic spells and rituals that people believe can
traditional practices involving magic spells and rituals that people believe can influence events, heal illnesses, or bring harm to others
The villagers accused the old woman of witchcraft when their cattle began to die mysteriously.
accused of witchcraft — used in historical persecution context
Many people tried for witchcraft in the 1600s were local healers or midwives.
Elders believed the strange illness was caused by witchcraft and called for a community ceremony.
Hugo found old court records about a witchcraft case in his hometown from the year 1690.
- sorcery
more negative and associated with evil or harmful magic
- magic
broader term that includes both supernatural and stage magic
- black magic
specifically refers to magic intended to cause harm
用法筆記
Historically, this sense carried strong negative associations and was often used to justify persecution. In modern contexts, the word can still provoke fear or misunderstanding depending on the audience.
常見錯誤
2. a modern spiritual or religious system, such as Wicca, that centres on the pract
a modern spiritual or religious system, such as Wicca, that centres on the practice of magic, reverence for nature, and seasonal ceremonies
Adina joined a local coven to explore witchcraft as a nature-based spiritual path.
coven + nature-based spiritual path — modern religious practice
For many neo-pagan groups, witchcraft involves celebrating the solstices and working with herbs and crystals.
neo-pagan groups + celebrating solstices — religious ritual context
Selim reads about witchcraft to understand the eight seasonal festivals celebrated by pagan groups.
The anthropology class discussed how modern witchcraft draws on symbols from ancient European traditions.
用法筆記
Practitioners of this sense often refer to witchcraft as 'the Craft' and view it as a legitimate religion. Unlike the traditional sense, this meaning carries no inherent negative judgement and is protected under religious freedom laws in many countries.