witch

[/wɪtʃ/]
nounfemininepl: witches
bruxa
1. A woman thought to have magic powers, especially evil ones, popularly depicted as wearing a black hat and flying on a broomstick
The witch cast a spell on the village.
A bruxa lançou um feitiço sobre a aldeia.
2. A woman who practices witchcraft or sorcery
She studied to become a witch in the magical arts.
Ela estudou para se tornar uma bruxa nas artes mágicas.
3. An old or ugly woman, used as an insult or derogatory term
He called his neighbor an old witch out of anger.
Ele chamou sua vizinha de velha bruxa por raiva.
4. A person, especially a woman, who is believed to have supernatural powers or knowledge
The village considered her a witch because of her healing abilities.
A aldeia a considerava uma bruxa por suas habilidades de cura.
In Brazilian culture, 'bruxa' carries both folkloric and literary significance, often appearing in regional folklore and literature. In the USA, witches have become popular cultural icons in literature, film, and entertainment (Harry Potter, Sabrina, American Horror Story). Historically, the term carries dark connotations due to the witch trials in colonial America and Europe, but modern usage often celebrates witches as powerful female figures in fantasy and popular culture.
NYC Slang
witchy (adjective form used to describe someone behaving badly or mysteriously)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
sorceressenchantressmagicianhagcrone
Antonyms / Antônimos
saintangelinnocent

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
bruxa
Standard term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
bruxa
Sometimes informally 'velha bruxa' (old hag) as insult
São Paulo
bruxa
Common usage; also 'feiticeira' in more formal contexts
Portugal
bruxa
Standard term; 'feiticeira' also used for emphasis

Related Words

witchcraftspellpotionbroomstickcauldronmagicsorceryhexed

Related Idioms & Phrases

witch hunt - a campaign directed against a person or group that is widely considered unfair
like a witch on a broomstick - moving very quickly
old witch - derogatory term for an unpleasant woman
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