Refers to a spoken magical formula, often with a negative or binding intent. Can be used in fantasy, occult, or figurative contexts.
The witch chanted a spell and turned the prince into a frog.
彼の言葉はまるで呪言のように、私の心を縛りつけた。
His words bound my heart as if they were a curse.
Standard kanji spelling; 呪 carries the meaning of 'curse' or 'spell'.
Compound of 呪 (ju, 'curse, spell') and 言 (gon, 'word, speech'). The reading じゅげん is a variant, possibly influenced by the on'yomi of 言 (gen).