incantation

noun

in·​can·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

: a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic

also : a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect

incantational

ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

incantatory

in-ˈkan-tə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Did you know?

Incantation comes directly from the Latin word incantare, "enchant". Incantare itself has cantare as a root, which reminds us that magic and ritual have always been associated with chanting and music. Incantations have often been in strange languages; "Abracadabra" is a not-so-serious version of an incantation.

Synonyms

• abracadabra
• bewitchment
• charm
• conjuration
• enchantment
• glamour
• glamor
• hex
• invocation
• spell
• whammy

Examples of incantation in a Sentence

trying to produce a miracle by incantation

hovering over the sick child, the witch doctor muttered mysterious incantations

Recent Examples on the Web

Plot: Dead bodies from the local cemetery come back to life after Bart utters an incantation from The Time Life Book of Magic and Spells, Vol. II. —Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

Wanda cursed Hahn's Agatha to live out her days playing out her own distorted reality as Agnes, until a young goth horror enthusiast shows up to break the witch free with an incantation. —Nick Romano, EW.com, 10 Oct. 2024

Alice draws a circle around Lilia uttering some sort of incantation as Patti LuPone’s witch writhes on the floor in her glittery jump suit and orange coat. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2024

Fiasco is a wonderfully musical ensemble — its members’ braided, rising harmonies at the play’s beginning suggest a ritual incantation, and every so often, characters get brief solos or duets that don’t feel too far removed from the sincere hero ballads of Disney’s golden era. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English incantacioun, from Middle French incantation, from Late Latin incantation-, incantatio, from Latin incantare to enchant — more at enchant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

incantation

noun

in·​can·​ta·​tion ˌin-ˌkan-ˈtā-shən 

: a series of words used to produce a magic spell