Conjure

In Southern and Appalachian folk speech, "conjure" means to cast a spell, hex, or perform folk magic - distinct from the mainstream "conjure up an idea" sense.

#SouthernWords #Appalachia #Southern

synonyms: hex, bewitch, hoodoo, put a spell on

Hillbilly Dude Says...

In my experience, if somebody is 'conjurin',' it's time for me to git. This is a common use of this word around here.

Pronunciation

[CON-jur] /ˈkɒn.dʒɚ/

Meaning & Usage

- To cast a spell or hex (verb)

Elmer:

Don’t let her get your picture - she’ll conjure somethin' up you don't want.

Estel:

I’ll keep it hidden.

variations: conjured, conjuring, conjure doctor, conjure woman

★ This sense of "conjure" survives mainly in Southern and Appalachian folk traditions - think "conjure doctor" or "conjure woman" - not just "imagine" or "summon." ★

Origin

From Middle English via Old French "conjurer" ("invoke, cast a spell"). In Southern and Appalachian English it took on a strong folk-magic meaning, documented in oral histories and folklore collections across the South.

Notes

Distinct from mainstream "conjure up" meaning "imagine" or "evoke."
Common in ghost stories, hex warnings, and folk medicine traditions in the South and Appalachia.
Often associated with "hoodoo," "rootwork," or "witchcraft."
Preserved as a living term in regional speech while fading elsewhere.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

Does "conjure" just mean "imagine"?

Not in Southern/Appalachian speech - it can mean "to cast a spell or hex."

Where is it used?

Throughout the South and Appalachia in folk-magic contexts, especially in older speech.

Is it still used today?

Yes, though mostly in storytelling, folklore, and among those familiar with regional traditions.