ˌinˌkan.ˈtāshən, -kaan.- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English incantacioun, from Middle French incantation, from Late Latin incantation-, incantatio, from Latin incantatus (past participle of incantare to enchant) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at enchant
1.
a. : a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic
b. : a ceremonial chanting or reciting of incantations (as for curing disease)
c. : a use of words to obscure rather than illuminate : obfuscation
their habit of hypnotizing and magnetizing a subject by the incantations of repetitive argument — V.S.Pritchett
2.
a. : a formula of words chanted or recited in a magic ritual for their special virtues or particular effects
b. : words used in the manner of a formula without conscious concern as to their aptness or relevance to a particular situation
the incantations of the propagandists
c. : an expression (as of music or poetry) designed to move rather than amuse or convince
uses repetition as it is used in spell and litany, as an incantation to heighten emotion, and perhaps to bypass reason — Times Literary Supplement
3. : magic , sorcery , enchantment
• in·can·ta·tion·al | ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷|tāshən ə l, -shnəl adjective