magic

¹mag·ic

noun \ˈma-jik\

Definition of MAGIC

1

a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces

b : magic rites or incantations

2

a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source

b : something that seems to cast a spell : enchantment

3

: the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand

Examples of MAGIC

1. children who believe in magic
2. a book that explains how to do magic
3. Both pitchers, though they are older, haven't lost their magic.

Origin of MAGIC

Middle English magique, from Middle French, from Latin magice, from Greek magikē, feminine of magikos Magian, magical, from magos magus, sorcerer, of Iranian origin; akin to Old Persian maguš sorcerer

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to MAGIC

Synonyms

bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, necromancy, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, wizardry

Antonyms

repulsion, repulsiveness

Related Words

abracadabra, amulet, charm, fetish (also fetich), mascot, periapt, phylactery, talisman; conjuration, glamour (also glamor), incantation, spell; curse, hex, jinx; augury, crystal gazing, divination, divining, forecasting, foreknowing, foreseeing, foretelling, fortune-telling, predicting, presaging, prognosticating, prophesying, soothsaying, sortilege; hexerei, hoodoo, occultism, spiritualism; augur, omen; exorcism; alchemy

Near Antonyms

science

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

Rhymes with MAGIC

tragic

²magic

adjective

Definition of MAGIC

1

: of or relating to magic

2

a : having seemingly supernatural qualities or powers

b : giving a feeling of enchantment

— mag·i·cal \ˈma-ji-kəl\ adjective

— mag·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of MAGIC

1. a magic potion that makes you able to fly
2. There is no magic solution to these problems.

First Known Use of MAGIC

14th century

Related to MAGIC

Synonyms

bewitched, charmed, entranced, enchanted, magical, spellbound

Related Words

cursed (also curst), jinxed, possessed; dreamy, fairy, fairylike; fantastic (also fantastical), miraculous, utopian, wondrous; hypnotized, mesmerized; bedazzled, captivated, fascinated

Near Antonyms

commonplace, everyday, normal, ordinary, prosaic, routine, run-of-the-mill, unexceptional, unremarkable, usual, workaday

³magic

transitive verb

mag·ickedmag·ick·ing

Definition of MAGIC

: to produce, remove, or influence by magic

First Known Use of MAGIC

1906

magic

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces. It constitutes the core of many religious systems and plays a central social role in many nonliterate cultures. Magic is often distinguished from religion as being more impersonal and mechanical and emphasizing technique. Its techniques are usually regarded as means to specific ends (an enemy’s defeat, rainfall, etc.), although another view ascribes a more symbolic, expressive character to such activity. Thus, a rainmaking ritual may both elicit rainfall and stress the symbolic importance of rain and the agricultural activities associated with it. Both the magician and the magical rite are typically surrounded by taboos, purification procedures, and other activities that draw the participants into the magical sphere. Strains of magic in Western tradition, formerly associated with heretics, alchemists, witches, and sorcerers, persist in modern times in the activities of satanists and others. The art of entertaining by performing apparently magical feats (sometimes called conjuring) relies on the use of sleight of hand and other means. See also shaman, vodun, witchcraft and sorcery.