warlock
Warlock (noun) means a man who practises magic; often treated as the male counterpart of a witch. Example: “In the story, an ancient warlock cursed the village well.”
How to use warlock
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA male sorcerer or magic-user, often cast as sinister in folklore and fantasy fiction.
Not simply a male "witch" in a neutral sense — historically the word carried the connotation of treachery or a broken pact.
Word forms
warlocks plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the story, an ancient _____ cursed the village well.
Etymology
From Old English wǣrloga, literally "oath-breaker" or "traitor" — from wǣr ("pledge, covenant") and a word related to "lie." It came to mean a male sorcerer through the old belief that such men had broken their faith with God.
Frequently asked questions
What does “warlock” mean?
The word “warlock” means a man who practises magic; often treated as the male counterpart of a witch. In plain terms, a male sorcerer or magic-user, often cast as sinister in folklore and fantasy fiction.
How do you pronounce “warlock”?
“Warlock” is pronounced WAW-lok (/ˈwɔɹ.lɑk/ in IPA).
How do you use “warlock” in a sentence?
Here is “warlock” used in a sentence: “In the story, an ancient warlock cursed the village well.”
What part of speech is “warlock”?
“Warlock” is a noun.
Where does the word “warlock” come from?
The word “warlock” comes from Old English.