hex someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hex someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to witchcraft, curses, or supernatural beliefs, typically implying that someone is putting a hex or curse on another person. Example: "After their argument, she jokingly said she would hex him for being so rude."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are the most common types of curses and hexes someone may have cast upon you: Love hex, making you fall in love when you don't naturally want to.

WikiHow

Quinn vowed never to cast a hex on someone else — a promise she did not keep.

The Washington Post

One common trick is to tell someone he is hexed and then remove the hex for a fee.

The New York Times

Someone put a hex on you?

The New York Times

Quite possibly someone put a hex on it, because … From Lorde's black-dipped talons and gargoyle visuals, to Katy Perry's budget-Tim Burton bacchanal, it felt like everyone had watched The Craft the night before and shared a Google doc to elect "witchy" as the aesthetic du jour.

The Guardian - Music

They aren't looking for hexes or charms to make someone's nose fall off.

The New York Times

It was as if someone had put a hex on him.

The New York Times - Sports

What I was planning was risky, but someone needed to break the hex on this apartment.

HuffPost

Bracciale said a hex is fundamentally different from a "binding" spell, which is about trying to block someone from doing something and limits others' agency.

Huffington Post

How much can someone say about a single bag?" A lot, it turns out, because the Hex Onyx Origin isn't just any bag.

TechCrunch

"If a Rolls-Royce technician found a hex-head bolt in the frame or the drivetrain," Mr. Austin explained, "he would know that someone from outside the company had been working on the car".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hex someone", ensure the context clearly indicates a magical or figurative curse. Avoid using it in formal or technical writing where literal interpretations could be confusing.

Common error

Avoid using "hex someone" in contexts where a literal curse is impossible or improbable. Overusing it figuratively can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hex someone" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of casting a hex or curse on another person. As Ludwig AI explains, this typically implies a supernatural act intended to bring bad luck.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Arts

10%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hex someone" is a verb phrase denoting the act of placing a curse or spell on an individual. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct, although relatively rare. Its register tends to be informal, often appearing in news, media, or wiki contexts related to folklore and superstition. Related phrases include "curse someone" and "cast a spell on someone". When employing this phrase, ensure the context allows for either a literal or figurative interpretation of a magical curse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

curse someone

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "hex" with "curse".

hex a person

This alternative replaces "someone" with "a person", maintaining the same meaning.

put a hex on someone

This alternative adds the article "a" and the preposition "on" to create a slightly more explicit phrase.

cast a hex upon someone

This alternative uses the more formal preposition "upon" instead of "on".

cast a spell on someone

This alternative uses the broader term "spell" instead of "hex", implying a magical act.

put a curse on someone

This alternative uses the direct synonym "curse" in a similar phrase structure.

hex them

This alternative simplifies the phrase by using the pronoun "them" instead of "someone".

jinx someone

This alternative uses "jinx", which implies a minor or temporary curse.

bewitch someone

This alternative implies a more enchanting or captivating form of magic.

put the evil eye on someone

This alternative specifies a particular type of curse associated with a malevolent gaze.

FAQs

What does it mean to "hex someone"?

To "hex someone" means to cast a spell or curse on them, typically with the intention of bringing bad luck or misfortune. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where someone seems to be experiencing inexplicable bad luck.

What can I say instead of "hex someone"?

You can use alternatives like "curse someone", "put a hex on someone", or "cast a spell on someone" depending on the context.

Is "hex someone" a formal expression?

No, "hex someone" is generally considered an informal expression. It is more commonly used in casual conversation or in contexts where witchcraft or curses are being discussed. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "curse" with appropriate caveats.

How can I use "hex someone" in a sentence?

You might say, "After losing the game, he jokingly said he was going to hex the referee." or "Some people believe that a rival put a hex on the team."