witchcraftとは 意味・読み方・使い方

語源

From 中期英語 wicchecraft, wicchecreft, from 古期英語 wiċċecræft, equivalent to witch +‎ -craft.

発音

• (General American) IPA: /ˈwɪt͡ʃkɹæft/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA: /ˈwɪt͡ʃkɹɑːft/

名詞

witchcraft (usually uncountable, plural witchcrafts)

1. The practice of witches; magic, sorcery, or the use of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.

   Synonyms: witchdom, witchery, witchwork

   Wiccans believe in a modernised form of witchcraft.

   • 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:

     Such witchcraft has no power now to show itself, because the people don't believe in it any more.

   • 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 6 July 2025:

     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.

2. Black magic; the use of witchcraft for evil means.

   The Bible warns against the use of witchcraft and sorcery.

3. Something, such as an advanced technology, that seems almost magical.

   Synonym: wizardry

   • 1987, Air Force Magazine, volume 70, page 88:

     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.

4. An irresistible or seemingly magical influence.

派生語

• antiwitchcraft
• witchcrafty

参考