witch
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A witch is typically a woman who practices witchcraft, which involves the use of magic or supernatural powers. Witches matter historically and culturally because beliefs about them have significantly influenced society, from religious persecution to modern spiritual practices and popular representation in literature and media.
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The Magic Circle by John William Waterhouse (1886) The English word witch, from the Old English wiċċe, is a term rooted in European folklore and superstition for a practitioner of witchcraft, magic or sorcery. Traditionally associated with malevolent magic, with those accused of witchcraft being the target of witch-hunts, in the modern era the term has taken on different meanings. In literature, a 'witch' can now simply refer to an alluring woman capable of 'bewitching' others. In neopagan religions such as Wicca the term has meanwhile been adopted as a label for adherents of all genders.
Etymology