How did the people determen if the people were witchesinshakespheres time?

During Shakespeare's time, people often determined if someone was a witch through a combination of superstition, fear, and societal beliefs. Common methods included the use of "witch tests," such as the swimming test, where a suspect would be thrown into water to see if they would float (considered a sign of witchcraft). Accusations could also arise from personal grievances, community tensions, or unexplained misfortunes, leading to a climate of paranoia and hysteria surrounding witchcraft. Ultimately, these methods were largely based on superstition rather than any scientific evidence.