Etymology:
Old English: "bewiccian" Proto-Germanic: "*bawihijaną"
Meaning and Origin:
The word "bewitch" means to cast a spell on someone, causing them harm or misfortune. It originally referred to the practice of using magic or sorcery to harm others.
The term "bewitch" is derived from the Old English verb "bewiccian," which meant "to practice witchcraft." This verb is related to the Proto-Germanic word "*bawihijaną," which means "to charm," "to deceive," or "to cause someone to act against their will."
The Proto-Germanic "bawihijaną" is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "bhew-," meaning "to be," "to become," or "to cause to happen." This root is also found in other words related to witchcraft and magic, such as "belief," "behave," and "befall."
Over time, the meaning of "bewitch" has evolved from its original association with witchcraft to a more general sense of causing harm or misfortune through supernatural means. It is now often used metaphorically to describe someone who is charming or captivating but also manipulative or harmful.
Etymology The word witch comes from the Old English word wicce which meant female s
Etymology The word leaf comes from the Old English word leaf which is derived from t
Etymology The word bewitched comes from the Middle English word bewicchen which is
Etymology Old English bewiccian Proto Germanic bawihijaną Meaning and Origin
Etymology The word trance comes from the Old French word trans to cross and the La
Etymology The word catch comes from the Middle English word cacchen which itself der
Etymology The word incantation derives from the Latin word incantare which means t
Etymology Middle English calumnie from Old French calumnie from Latin calumnia from
Etymology The word enchantment derives from the Old French word enchantement which
Etymology Medieval Latin fascinare to bewitch enchant Latin fascinum evil eye fa
Etymology Middle English influence from Old French influence from Late Latin influ
Etymology Latin attrahere meaning to draw to or towards Proto Indo European h₂e
Etymology The word appeal comes from the Latin word appellare which means to call
