an attempt to find all the people in a particular group in order to punish them or treat them unfairly
He called the crackdown a ‘witch-hunt’ .
Synonyms and related words
An attempt to find something or someone
search
hunting
hunt
Cultural note
The original witch-hunts took place in America in the 17th century, most famously in Salem, Massachusetts. Young girls who were excited or upset were thought to be witches or under the control of evil spirits. The girls’ trials were held in such a way that it was almost impossible for them to prove they were not guilty. The movement against American Communists in the 1950s, which was led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, was often called a witch-hunt.
witch-hunt
noun uncountable showing disapproval
US
DEFINITIONS1
1
an attempt to find all the people in a particular group in order to punish them or treat them unfairly
He called the crackdown a “witch-hunt” .
Synonyms and related words
An attempt to find something or someone
search
hunting
hunt
Cultural note
The original witch-hunts took place in America in the 17th century, most famously in Salem, Massachusetts. Young girls who were excited or upset were thought to be witches or under the control of evil spirits. The girls’ trials were held in such a way that it was almost impossible for them to prove they were not guilty. The movement against American Communists in the 1950s, which was led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, was often called a witch-hunt.