conjure man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialised / Folk / Historical
Quick answer
What does “conjure man” mean?
A man who practices folk magic, witchcraft, or spiritual healing, often within African American or Caribbean traditions (sometimes called hoodoo or rootwork), who uses charms, spells, or supernatural means.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man who practices folk magic, witchcraft, or spiritual healing, often within African American or Caribbean traditions (sometimes called hoodoo or rootwork), who uses charms, spells, or supernatural means.
A folk practitioner believed to have the power to summon spirits, cast spells, heal ailments, protect from harm, or divine information through supernatural means; can be perceived as either a benevolent healer or a malevolent trickster depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively American, tied to specific US cultural history. In British contexts, similar concepts would be referred to by different terms (e.g., 'cunning man', 'folk healer', 'witch doctor').
Connotations
In American usage, it evokes specific African American and Southern cultural heritage. In potential British usage, it would likely be seen as an exotic Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in UK English; low-frequency specialised term in US English, found primarily in historical, anthropological, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “conjure man” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] conjure man [VERB] ...People sought out the conjure man for [NOUN].He was known as the conjure man of [PLACE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in anthropology, folklore studies, African American studies, and history to describe specific cultural practitioners.
Everyday
Very rare in general conversation; might be used in storytelling within communities where the tradition is known.
Technical
Used as a specific term in ethnography and the study of folk religions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conjure man”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conjure man”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conjure man”
- Using it to refer to a stage magician (incorrect).
- Capitalising it as a title (it's not typically capitalised).
- Using it in a modern, non-folkloric context without explanation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'conjure man' is a folk magic practitioner within specific cultural traditions, not a stage performer of illusions.
No, the female equivalent is typically 'conjure woman' or 'hoodoo woman'.
It is a descriptive anthropological and folkloric term. However, sensitivity is required as it refers to living spiritual traditions for some communities.
Primarily in historical accounts, anthropological texts, Southern Gothic literature, and folklore collections.
A man who practices folk magic, witchcraft, or spiritual healing, often within African American or Caribbean traditions (sometimes called hoodoo or rootwork), who uses charms, spells, or supernatural means.
Conjure man is usually specialised / folk / historical in register.
Conjure man: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌn.dʒə ˌmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌn.dʒɚ ˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have more tricks than a conjure man”
- “couldn't find it with a conjure man's map”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A man who can CONJURE (summon) spirits and magic, not rabbits from hats.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS MYSTICAL POWER, HEALING IS SUPERNATURAL INTERVENTION, THE PAST IS A SOURCE OF MYSTERY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'conjure man' most accurately used?