magic

ma|gic¹ [ˈmædʒık] n [U]

[Date: 1300-1400; : French; Origin: magique, from Latin magice, from Greek magike, from magos 'person with magic powers']

1.) the ability of particular people in children's stories to make impossible things happen by saying special words

▪ Do you believe in magic?

→↑black magic, ↑white magic

2.) a special, attractive, or exciting quality

▪ Paris has lost some of its magic for me over the years.

magic of

▪ the magic of Christmas

3.) the skill of doing tricks that look like magic in order to entertain people, or the tricks that are done

= ↑conjuring

4.) like magic/as if by magic

in a surprising way that seems impossible to explain

▪ As if by magic the waiter suddenly appeared with a tray of drinks.

5.) work/weave your magic

if something or someone works or weaves their magic, they produce a good change or effect in a way that they are often able to do

▪ The warm weather and the beautiful scenery began to work their magic and she started to relax.

6.) work like magic

to be very effective

magic ²

magic² adj

1.) [only before noun]

in stories, a magic word or object has special powers that make the person using it able to do impossible things

▪ a book of magic spells

▪ a magic sword

2.) relating to the skill of doing tricks to entertain people

▪ His best magic trick is sawing a lady in half.

3.) magic number/word

a number or word that is particularly important or desired in a particular situation

▪ The magic words 'a million pounds' will get everyone's attention.

4.) the magic word

the word 'please' - used when speaking to children

▪ What's the magic word then, Katie?

5.) magic touch

a special ability to make things work well or to make people happy

▪ She's got a magic touch with babies.

6.) magic moment

a short time which seems beautiful and special

▪ She didn't want to spoil this magic moment.

7.) magic circle

a group of powerful people who are friendly with each other and help each other

▪ His outspokenness denied him access to the magic circle and he was never given high office.

8.) BrE spoken very good or very enjoyable

= ↑great

▪ 'Did you have a good time?' 'Yeah, it was magic!'

magic ³

magic³ v past tense and past participle magicked present participle magicking

BrE

magic away [magic sb/sth away] phr v

to make someone or something disappear or go somewhere by using magic

▪ I wish I could magic us away to a warm beach.

magic up [magic sth<=>up] phr v

to make something appear suddenly and unexpectedly