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Definition of witchdoctor

witchdoctor

/ˈwɪtʃˌdɑːk.tɚ/
witch · doc · tor
Plural:witchdoctors
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witchdoctor Lexical Profile

witchdoctor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A traditional healer or spiritual practitioner in certain indigenous cultures who uses herbal remedies, rituals, or divination to treat illnesses and counteract harmful magic (often written as "witch doctor").

Example

"Early colonial accounts frequently referred to any local herbalist or spiritual leader as a witchdoctor, overlooking the complexity of indigenous medical traditions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for witchdoctor

Word Nuance & Usage

The term "witchdoctor" (more commonly written as two words, "witch doctor") is widely considered dated and potentially offensive by anthropologists and indigenous communities; more respectful and accurate alternatives include "traditional healer", "shaman", or culturally specific titles such as "sangoma".

• Nearby Words

witch
witch hazel
witchcraft
witchdoctor
witchhunt
witching
witchlike

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Witchdoctor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/witchdoctor
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