Hexing - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

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witchcraft practice

Hexing refers to the act of casting a hex or curse on someone, often believed to bring harm or misfortune to that individual. It is commonly associated with witchcraft and folk magic, where practitioners create spells aimed at achieving specific negative outcomes. In various cultures, hexing is seen as a way to exert control over others or to retaliate against perceived wrongs. While some view hexing as a benign or playful act, others treat it with seriousness, considering it a moral wrongdoing.

Synonyms

bewitch, curse, jinx, spell.

Examples of usage

She claimed to have hexed her rival out of jealousy.
The local folklore warned against the dangers of hexing.
Many believe that hexing often backfires on the caster.
Historical accounts describe how people were accused of hexing during witch trials.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Hexing was often associated with witches during the European witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries, leading to many trials and executions.
In some cultures, hexing was used as a form of social justice, where individuals believed they could curse those who wronged them.
The fear of hexing led to the creation of protective charms and rituals, believed to ward off the bad effects of spells.

Pop Culture

Hexing is a common theme in movies and television shows about witches, like 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' and 'Hocus Pocus'.
Many video games, like the 'Final Fantasy' series, include hexes or curse spells that impact characters and gameplay.
Hexing is often portrayed humorously in modern media, contrasting the darker history with light-hearted magic.

Psychology

The belief in hexing can influence psychological states, where victims may experience real symptoms due to the anxiety of being cursed.
This phenomenon can be linked to the placebo effect, where the mere belief in a hex can lead to genuine changes in behavior or wellbeing.
In some cases, individuals may define their misfortunes as results of hexing, reinforcing the stigma around mental health issues.

Literature

Hexing frequently appears in folklore and fairy tales, emphasizing the conflict between good and evil through magic.
Classic poets and writers, including Shakespeare, often referenced witchcraft and hexing in their works to explore human emotions and morality.
Modern fantasy literature uses hexing as a tool for character development, where characters may learn about power and consequence.

Origin of 'hexing'

Main points about word origin

The word 'hex' comes from the German word 'hexen', which means 'to practice witchcraft'.
In Pennsylvania Dutch culture, the term 'hex' refers specifically to folk magic practiced by local witches.
The term gained popularity in the English language around the 19th century, particularly in the context of witchcraft and folklore.

The term 'hex' originates from the German word 'hexe,' which means 'witch.' This word entered the American vernacular in the 19th century alongside other forms of folk magic. In the early 1900s, 'hexing' became popularized in various forms of literature that depicted witchcraft and magic. The concept of hexing often implies a more supernatural aspect, suggesting that one's actions can influence another's fate through mystical means. Cultural associations with hexing vary significantly, with some viewing it as a negative practice tied to evil intentions, while others see it as an acceptable form of expressing discontent or seeking justice. Over time, the concept has remained prevalent in modern pop culture, particularly in movies and literature, where hexes are a common trope in stories about witches and magic.

Hexing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations