magic

views updated Jun 27 2018

mag·ic / ˈmajik/ • n. the power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces: do you believe in magic? suddenly, as if by magic, the doors start to open. ∎  mysterious tricks, such as making things disappear and appear again, performed as entertainment. ∎  a quality that makes something seem removed from everyday life, esp. in a way that gives delight: the magic of the theater. ∎ inf. something that has such a quality: their seaside town is pure magic.• adj. 1. used in magic or working by magic; having or apparently having supernatural powers: a magic wand. ∎  very effective in producing results, esp. desired ones: confidence is the magic ingredient needed to spark recovery.2. inf. wonderful; exciting: what a magic moment.• v. (mag·icked, mag·ick·ing) [tr.] move, change, or create by or as if by magic: he must have been magicked out of the car at the precise second it exploded.PHRASES: like magic remarkably effectively or rapidly: it repels rain like magic.