witch doctor

• Personne dans les sociétés traditionnelles ou autochtones que l'on croit capable de pratiquer la magie ou de guérir, souvent en utilisant des rituels, des herbes et des pratiques spirituelles pour traiter les maladies ou se protéger du 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.

   guérisseur traditionnel

   • 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.

   charlatan (médecin)

   • 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.