'bewitch' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'bewiccian,' where 'be-' meant 'about' and 'wiccan' meant 'to enchant.'

'bewiccian' transformed into the Middle English word 'bewicchen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'bewitch.'

Initially, it meant 'to enchant or cast a spell,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.