witch
noun·verbwitch definition & meaning
- a female sorcerer or magician
- an ugly evil-looking old woman
- cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something
- a believer in Wicca
- a being (usually female) imagined to have special powers derived from the devil
Examples of witch in a sentence
As a noun
- The witch brewed a potion in her cauldron
- Legends spoke of a witch living in the forest
Synonyms for witch
- enchantress
- beldam
- beldame
- crone
- hag
- bewitch
- enchant
- glamour
- hex
- jinx
- wiccan
Rhymes with witch
- adjustable-pitch
- backstitch
- bewitch
- bitch
- bowditch
- cross-stitch
- ditch
- enrich
- fitch
- flitch
- glitch
- hemstitch
- hitch
- itch
- kitsch
- niche
- pitch
- rich
- snitch
- stitch
- switch
- twitch
- unhitch
- whipstitch
- witch
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Related words to witch
Magic
Spell
Cauldron
Broomstick
Potion
Coven
Hex
Sorcery
Enchantress
Wicca
Occult
Ritual
Charm
Wand
Alchemy
Word history
Etymology
The word "witch" originates from the Old English terms "wicca" (male witch) and "wicce" (female witch), both derived from the Proto-Germanic root "wikkōn," meaning "to practice sorcery or witchcraft." This root is linked to the Proto-Indo-European "weg-," which means "to be strong, lively." The transition from "wicca" and "wicce" to the modern English "witch" occurred during the Middle English period, influenced by the Old English "wiccan," meaning "to practice witchcraft."
The term "wicca" is also related to the Old High German "wizzo" (wise) and the Middle Low German "wicken" (to conjure), reflecting a broader Germanic tradition of associating witchcraft with wisdom or knowledge. Over time, the word "witch" evolved to encompass both genders, although it predominantly referred to women. The semantic shift from a neutral or even positive connotation to a more negative one occurred during the Middle Ages, influenced by religious and cultural changes that associated witchcraft with heresy and malevolence. This transformation was further cemented during the witch hunts of the early modern period, solidifying the word's association with evil and supernatural harm.
How many points is witch worth in Scrabble?
Total points
13
Per letter points
W4I1T1C3H4
Dictionary check
- Offcl. Scrabble Pl. Dict. & Offcl Scrabble WordsYES
- Collins Scrabble Words 2021YES
- NASPA Word List 2020YES
- Tournament Word List 2006YES
- Words with Friends 2000YES
- Words with Friends 1997 (Retired)YES