German 'hexen' in the English language

'Hex' is a word borrowed from German 'hexen'. The word entered the English language some time around 1830.

hex [verb] [1830]

• to practice witchcraft
• to put a hex on
• to affect as if by an evil spell
• jinx

See 'hex' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from German.

Etymology: Pennsylvania German 'hexe' from German 'hexen' from 'Hexe' witch, from Old High German 'hagzissa;' akin to Middle English 'hagge' hag

See more loan words from 1800s.