bewitched etymology

Etymology:

The word "bewitched" comes from the Middle English word "bewicchen," which is a combination of the prefix "be-" (meaning "to become") and the verb "wicchen" (meaning "to practice witchcraft").

Meaning:

"Bewitched" means:

  • To have been placed under the influence of a spell or enchantment
  • To experience feelings of enchantment or captivation
  • To be affected by a strange or inexplicable force

Origin:

The concept of witchcraft and the belief in its powers have existed in various cultures throughout history. The word "wicчен" is derived from the Old English word "wicce," which referred to a male or female practitioner of witchcraft.

In the Middle Ages, there was a widespread belief in the ability of witches and sorcerers to cast spells and cause harm. This fear led to the persecution and witch trials that took place in Europe during the 15th-17th centuries.

The use of the word "bewitched" began to decline in the 18th century as rationalism and scientific inquiry challenged the belief in witchcraft. However, the term has persisted in modern usage to refer to experiences of enchantment, fascination, or inexplicable phenomena.

bewitched relate terms

  • bewitch

    Etymology Old English bewiccian Proto Germanic bawihijaną Meaning and Origin

  • witch

    Etymology The word witch comes from the Old English word wicce which meant female s

  • gale

    Etymology Old French gale Latin gala a type of skin disease Greek khalazá a pus

  • influence

    Etymology Middle English influence from Old French influence from Late Latin influ

  • attract

    Etymology Latin attrahere meaning to draw to or towards Proto Indo European h₂e

  • appeal

    Etymology The word appeal comes from the Latin word appellare which means to call

  • tempt

    Etymology Middle English tempten from Anglo Norman French tempter from Latin temptar

  • hold

    Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

  • captivate

    Etymology Origin Latin captivāre meaning to capture enslave Root capere mea

  • work

    Etymology The word work comes from the Old English word weorc which means to do t