incantation Hear it!

incantation Definition

in·can·ta·tion (in′kan tās̸hən, -kən-)

noun

  1. the chanting of words or formulas that are believed to cast a spell or perform other magic
  2. words or a formula so chanted

Etymology: ME incantacion < OFr incantation < LL incantatio < pp. of L incantare < in- (intens.) + cantare: see chant

incantation Related Forms
in′·can·ta·tional adjective in·can·ta·to′ry (-kantə tôr′ē) adjective
incantation Synonyms

incantation

n.

  1. Invocation

    charm, chant, spell, mantra; see chant, magic 2.

  2. Witchcraft

    sorcery, black magic, enchantment; see magic 1, witchcraft.

incantation Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • word: The oddity of this is veiled by the incantation of a single, magical word, " ownership.

Converse of object

  • mutter: These were entwined about the affected part and an incantation muttered over the patient three times.
  • recite: The apprentice then had to close his ( or her ) eyes and recite an incantation.
  • use: Indeed he gives the game away by citing ceremonial incantations used by unbelievers, which read like parodies of standard prayers.
  • chant: However, just at that moment Susan and Jane rush in chanting the incantation from the scroll.
  • perform: They provide a recognizable representation of the mysterious incantations actually performed by a computer.
  • become: Yet the form of the verse was such that, reading it, the voice became an incantation, almost singing.

Preposition: in

  • language: As I floated above my body, hovering unwillingly, I heard the warlock recite an incantation in a language unknown to me.

Adjective modifier

  • magical: Then, by the use of magical incantation, " Charis was thought to drop her own blood into the cup " thus consecrated.
  • magic: Write the magic incantation " DO NOT BEND " on both sides of the envelope in some color that stands out.
  • strange: He fills the air with incense and strange incantations to ward off evil, but with no effect.
  • necessary: Once I'd remembered the necessary incantations it all worked like a charm.
  • mystic: Mystic chants incantations strange Shameless those braves together sang Praises to their man god of Karaoke.
  • mysterious: They provide a recognizable representation of the mysterious incantations actually performed by a computer.

Noun used with modifier

  • ritual: In fact, I find much of the ritual incantations of bullishness here rather amusing.
  • chant: Mystic chants incantations strange Shameless those braves together sang Praises to their man god of Karaoke.
incantation Quotes

   Much discussion of money involves a heavy overlay of priestly incantation.

—Galbraith,John Kenneth