Definition of "witch-hunt" in English

noun

1. (now chiefly historical) A search for people believed to be using sorcery or harmful magic, typically in order to persecute or punish them.

2. (by extension) An attempt to find and punish or harass a group of people perceived as a threat, usually on ideological or political grounds.

3. (by extension) A public or political campaign or investigation which smears a person or group.

   • The media is really on a witch-hunt against me. False reporting, and plenty of it - but we will prevail!

verb

1. (informal) To perform a witch-hunt.