ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1. : a searching out and persecution of persons accused of witchcraft
2. : an investigation of or campaign against dissenters (as political opponents) conducted on the pretext of protecting the public welfare and resulting in public persecution and defamation of character
witch-hunts for reds in faculties — Laird Bell
a fascist witch-hunt against all those who dare to question Russian policies — Alexander Baird
• witch-hunter ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun