necromancy

noun nec·ro·man·cy \ˈne-krə-ˌman(t)-sē\

: the practice of talking to the spirits of dead people

: the use of magic powers especially for evil purposes

Full Definition of NECROMANCY

: conjuration of the spirits of the dead for purposes of magically revealing the future or influencing the course of events

: magic, sorcery

— nec·ro·man·cer \-sər\ noun

— nec·ro·man·tic \ˌne-krə-ˈman-tik\ adjective

— nec·ro·man·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See necromancy defined for English-language learners

See necromancy defined for kids

Origin of NECROMANCY

alteration of Middle English nigromancie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin nigromantia, by folk etymology from Late Latin necromantia, from Late Greek nekromanteia, from Greek nekr- + -manteia -mancy

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to NECROMANCY

Synonyms: bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, magic, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, wizardry

Other Occult Terms

augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

Learn More About NECROMANCY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "necromancy"

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "necromancy"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: necromantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: necromancing All Words Near: necromancy

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up necromancy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site