Witch doctor
Witch doctor, a healer or benevolent worker of magic in a nonliterate society. The term originated in England in the 18th century and is generally considered to be pejorative and anthropologically inaccurate. See also medicine man; shaman.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Chelsey Parrott-Sheffer.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Witch doctor
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
06 November 2026
Access Date:
November 13, 2026