The practice of magic or sorcery, historically believed to involve supernatural powers, often associated with evil spells or harm caused by individuals (usually women) accused of having a pact with the devil.
From Old English 'wicce' (witch) combined with 'craft' (skill or practice). The term evolved during the Middle Ages and gained darker connotations during the witch hunts of the 16th-18th centuries when it became associated with Satanism and persecution.
Witchcraft accusations followed strikingly predictable patterns: they peaked during times of social stress, and the accused were often elderly women with medical knowledge or unconventional behavior. This shows how fear and superstition can override reason—the Salem witch trials executed 20 people based on mass hysteria and fits likely caused by poisoning.
Witch trials disproportionately executed women (80%+ in most regions). 'Witchcraft' accusations were used to suppress women's power, independence, and non-conformity. The term remains linguistically loaded with gendered violence.
Use historically with acknowledgment of gender persecution. Avoid casually labeling women's actions as 'witchcraft' or 'witchy.' If reclaiming the term, do so explicitly and with awareness of its cost.
["magic","sorcery","supernatural practice"]
Women healers, midwives, and herbalists were often prosecuted as witches; reclaiming knowledge of these traditions honors what persecution tried to erase.
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