sorcery

noun

sor·​cery ˈsȯr-sə-rē 

ˈsȯrs-rē

1

: the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits especially for divining : necromancy

2

: magic sense 2a

Synonyms

• bewitchery
• bewitchment
• conjuring
• devilry
• deviltry
• diablerie
• enchantment
• ensorcellment
• magic
• mojo
• necromancy
• thaumaturgy
• voodooism
• witchcraft
• witchery
• wizardry

Examples of sorcery in a Sentence

in olden times people suspected of sorcery were often put to death

Recent Examples on the Web

In this period, potential triggers for violence may have included theft, perceived slights and insults, and charges of sorcery. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

Rolling with the sound of Slo-Be Bryant 3, one of the great West Coast tapes of the 2020s, Slo-Be’s steely, ominous murmurs give his sentimental gangster rap the air of sorcery. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 9 Dec. 2024

The supporting cast is superb, with Michelle Yeoh ideally cast as Madame Morrible, the headmistress and dean of sorcery studies who takes Elphaba under her wings, seeing extraordinary potential in the girl’s powers. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

For the next hour and half, alongside the Indian classical musician Rahul Sharma, Hussain put on a display of bona fide musical sorcery. —Taran Dugal, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sorcerie, from Anglo-French, from sorcer sorcerer, from Medieval Latin sortiarius, from Latin sort-, sors chance, lot — more at series

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sorcery

noun

sor·​cery ˈsȯrs-(ə-)rē 

: the use of powers gotten with the help of or by the control of evil spirits : witchcraft