Incantation: meaning, definitions and examples

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incantation

 

[ ˌinˌkanˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

magical spell

An incantation is a series of words said as a magic spell or charm.

Synonyms

charm, enchantment, spell.

Examples of usage

  • The witch recited the incantation to cast a spell on her enemy.
  • The incantation was ancient and powerful, causing the ground to shake.
  • The incantation was whispered softly, barely audible to the human ear.
Context #2 | Noun

ritualistic chant

An incantation can also refer to a series of words or phrases chanted or recited during a ritual.

Synonyms

chant, invocation, mantra.

Examples of usage

  • The shaman performed the incantation to summon the spirits of the ancestors.
  • The incantation was sung in a language long forgotten by most.

Translations

Translations of the word "incantation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encantamento

🇮🇳 मंत्र

🇩🇪 Beschwörung

🇮🇩 mantra

🇺🇦 заклинання

🇵🇱 zaklęcie

🇯🇵 呪文 (jumon)

🇫🇷 incantation

🇪🇸 encantamiento

🇹🇷 büyü

🇰🇷 주문 (jumun)

🇸🇦 تعويذة (taʿwīdha)

🇨🇿 zaříkání

🇸🇰 zaklínadlo

🇨🇳 咒语 (zhòuyǔ)

🇸🇮 urok

🇮🇸 galdraþula

🇰🇿 сиқыр

🇬🇪 მისტიკური სიტყვები (mist'ik'uri sityvebi)

🇦🇿 cadugər

🇲🇽 encantamiento

Etymology

The word 'incantation' traces its origins back to the Latin word 'incantare', meaning 'to enchant'. Through various linguistic evolutions, it entered Middle English as 'incantacioun' in the 14th century. The concept of using spoken words or chants to bring about magical effects has been a part of human culture for centuries, with incantations featuring prominently in folklore, mythology, and magical practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,259, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.