What does hexing mean?
Hexing is the act or practice of placing a spell or curse believed to cause harm, and also the verb meaning to do so. The word has an ominous, often supernatural association: a person may be said to hex a home, person, or object in order to bring misfortune. In traditional tales and supernatural fiction, hexing can involve witchcraft, enchantment, or deliberate ill will. In ordinary conversation, however, the term often sounds dramatic or humorous rather than neutral, and curse or jinx is usually more common. Because hexing is relatively uncommon, careful writers use it where its ritual or occult flavor adds clarity or atmosphere. It is also useful because it names both an action and the practice of harmful magic, while preserving the moral and emotional associations of a deliberate curse.
The act or practice of placing a harmful or supernatural spell on someone or something.
"The villagers attributed the failed harvest to hexing by a neighboring witch."
The noun is relatively rare and is usually uncountable when referring to the practice.
To put a harmful spell or curse on someone or something.
"The story claims that the sorceress hexed the prince before he disappeared."
This verb is often used in folklore, fantasy, and figurative expressions.
The plural is uncommon; the noun is normally uncountable when referring to the practice.
"The tales describe a series of hexings against members of the royal family."
The oddest part of hexing’s history is that its ultimate root is Greek hexa-, “six,” a number with old magical associations, though the exact connection is uncertain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hexing come from?
Hexing is formed from hex with the suffix -ing. The word hex comes through Middle English and Old French from Greek hexa-, “six”; an old association between six and magic lies behind the word, although the precise reason for that connection is uncertain. In its verbal use, hexing means to place a curse or spell on someone or something.
Related word forms
How hexing is actually used
Hexing is relatively uncommon compared with hex, curse, and jinx. It often has an ominous or malicious connotation, although it may be used more lightly in folklore, fantasy, and figurative speech.