what is an incantation

An incantation is a word, phrase, or set of words spoken, sung, or chanted as part of a magical ritual, often believed to produce a specific effect or summon something. It can also mean a formula of words used ceremonially or rhetorically to create an effect.

Meaning

In everyday use, people usually mean a “magic spell” or ritual chant when they say incantation. The word can be used for spoken, written, or recited formulas, especially in folklore, fantasy, or religious ritual.

Simple example

A classic example is the kind of spell-like chanting you hear in stories about witches or wizards. Words like “abracadabra” and “hocus pocus” are often associated with incantations in popular culture.

In a sentence

• “The wizard muttered an incantation to open the door.”
• “She repeated the incantation during the ceremony.”

Etymology

The word comes from Latin roots related to “chanting” and “enchanting,” which fits its meaning as spoken magic.

In short, an incantation is a chant or formula of words thought to have magical or ritual power.