witch doctor

• Persona en sociedades tradicionales o indígenas a la que se atribuyen poderes mágicos o curativos, que suele emplear rituales, hierbas y prácticas espirituales para sanar enfermedades o protegerse del mal.

A person in traditional or indigenous societies who is believed to have magical or healing powers, often using rituals, herbs, and spiritual practices to treat illness or ward off evil.

1. Traditional healerB2formal

   A person in some tribal societies who is believed to have magical powers to heal the sick, cast spells, or communicate with spirits.

   curandero

   • The witch doctor performed a ritual to drive away evil spirits.
   • Villagers often consult the witch doctor for both physical and spiritual ailments.
   • The witch doctor used herbs and chants to treat the patient.

2. C1informal

   Sometimes used as a derogatory term for a medical professional, implying unscientific or superstitious practices.

   curandero (despectivo)

   • Calling a modern physician a witch doctor is highly offensive.
   • The politician dismissed the scientist's advice as that of a witch doctor.
   • He used the term 'witch doctor' to mock alternative medicine.