People, traditionally women, believed to practice magic or sorcery. Historically persecuted figures, now often associated with modern pagan religions or Halloween imagery.
From Old English 'wicce' (feminine) and 'wicca' (masculine), related to 'wiccian' meaning 'to practice sorcery.' Connected to words meaning 'to bend' or 'to change,' reflecting the belief that witches could alter reality.
The word 'witch' is related to 'wicker' (bent twigs) and 'week' (changing time), all from roots meaning 'to bend.' This linguistic connection reflects the ancient belief that witches could bend or change the natural order of things through their powers.
Witch hunts disproportionately targeted women, with an estimated 40,000 executions across Europe and America (80% female). The term became weaponized against women with medical knowledge, economic independence, or non-conformity.
When discussing historical persecution, use 'accused of witchcraft' or 'witch trial victims' to center real humans, not labels. When discussing actual practices, distinguish practitioners across genders.
["healers","herb workers","practitioners","accused of witchcraft"]
Many executed women were midwives, herbalists, and healers whose medical knowledge threatened male physicians. Their erasure as 'witches' obscured women's scientific and medical contributions for centuries.
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