Witchcraft
/ˈwɪtʃ.kræft/noun
The practice of magic, especially black magic, and the use of supernatural powers.
Did you know?In medieval Europe, witchcraft was often associated with heresy, leading to deadly witch hunts fueled by fear and superstition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wīd-
“to see, to know”
Old English
Old English
wicce
“female practitioner of sorcery”
Old English
Old English
cræft
“skill, art, power”
Middle English
Middle English
wicchecraft
“the practice of witchcraft”
Modern English
English
witchcraft
“the collective practices of witches, often with a focus on magic and sorcery.”