# witch-hunt

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈwɪtʃhʌnt/

## Definitions
1. A search for people believed to be using sorcery or harmful magic, typically in order to persecute or punish them.
2. An attempt to find and punish or harass a group of people perceived as a threat, usually on ideological or political grounds.
3. A public or political campaign or investigation which smears a person or group.

## Etymology
From witch + hunt.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/witch-hunt