What are witches and warlocks?

Answer 1

A Pagan Answer
In fiction witches are practitioners of magic. Some are good, others are evil. They are often depicted as old, ugly women riding flying brooms, who are in league with the devil. Th
In fiction warlocks are male witches.

In the real world, witches are often, but not always, practitioners of one of many earth based spiritual paths, that practice some form of magic*. The word witch is not gender specific, and is applied equally to both men and women.

The word warlock is a derogatory term for an oath breaker

* Magic in this case is the manipulation of naturally occurring powers by the hand and will of a practitioner.

Please note, not all practitioners of magic call or consider themselves witches; not all followers of the earth based spiritual paths call or consider themselves witches.