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Demonic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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demonic

[dɪˈmɒnɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

evil

Relating to or characteristic of demons or evil spirits; devilish.

Synonyms

devilish, diabolical, infernal, satanic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demonic

Use 'demonic' when describing something that seems possessed by an evil force or is extremely cruel and malevolent.

  • The haunted house had a demonic presence that scared everyone away.
  • Her demonic laugh sent chills down our spines.
devilish

Use 'devilish' for something mischievous, playful in a wicked way, or teasingly troublesome. It can be used in both serious and light-hearted contexts.

  • He had a devilish grin after playing the prank.
  • Her devilish charm could win over anyone.
satanic

Use 'satanic' for something directly related to Satan or characteristics commonly associated with Satan. It has very strong negative and ominous connotations.

  • They discovered signs of a satanic ritual in the old abandoned church.
  • His actions were driven by a satanic desire for power.
diabolical

Use 'diabolical' when referring to something extremely evil or cruel, often involving cunning and deceit. It has a very strong negative connotation.

  • The villain's diabolical plan was to take over the world.
  • His diabolical actions hurt many innocent people.
infernal

Use 'infernal' to describe something hellish or relating to hell, often involving great suffering. It can also mean extremely annoying in a more informal context.

  • The infernal heat of the desert was unbearable.
  • The infernal noise from the construction site kept me awake all night.

Examples of usage

  • He had a demonic look in his eyes.
  • The movie portrayed the antagonist as a demonic force.
  • She described the haunted house as having a demonic presence.
Context #2 | Adjective

power

Possessing great power or energy; extremely impressive or effective.

Synonyms

energetic, forceful, potent, powerful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
demonic

Used to describe something that is evil or malevolent, often in a supernatural sense. This word carries a strongly negative connotation.

  • The haunted house was filled with demonic laughter that sent chills down everyone's spines
powerful

Describes someone or something that has great strength, influence, or control. It can be used in various contexts, both positive and negative.

  • The powerful storm caused widespread damage across the region
forceful

Describes a person or action that is strong, assertive, and effective. It can be both positive and negative depending on the context.

  • Her forceful speech persuaded many people to join the cause
energetic

Suitable for describing someone or something that is full of energy, lively, or active. It is a positive term.

  • The energetic puppy jumped around the yard, chasing its tail and barking happily
potent

Usually refers to something that is very strong, powerful, or effective. Often used in the context of medicine, chemicals, or emotions.

  • The medicine is potent enough to relieve the pain within minutes

Examples of usage

  • The athlete showed a demonic strength in the competition.
  • The storm unleashed its demonic fury on the town.
  • The band's performance was described as demonic by the critics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religious Context

  • Many religions, including Christianity and Islam, feature demonic figures representing temptation or evil spirits.
  • In some traditions, exorcisms are performed to rid individuals of demonic possession.

Pop Culture

  • Demonic characters often appear in horror films and literature, symbolizing humanity's fear of the unknown.
  • Video games frequently incorporate demonic creatures as antagonists, providing thrilling challenges for players.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'demonic' influences psychological interpretations of fear, as it embodies what people consider outside the norm.
  • Certain mental health conditions have historically been misdiagnosed as demonic possession, showcasing the evolution of understanding mental illness.

Art & Literature

  • Demonic figures have inspired countless artworks, often depicted as grotesque, capturing the horror and fascination of evil.
  • Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft used demonic imagery to evoke feelings of dread and explore the human psyche's darker aspects.

Origin of 'demonic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'daimon', which originally referred to a spirit or divine power, not necessarily evil.
  • In medieval times, the term evolved to describe malevolent spirits or beings that were believed to cause harm.

The word 'demonic' originates from the Late Latin 'demonicus' and the Greek 'daimonikos', meaning 'pertaining to a demon'. In various cultures and mythologies, demons are supernatural beings associated with evil, darkness, and chaos. The concept of demonic forces has been prevalent in religious texts, folklore, and literature throughout history, symbolizing malevolent entities or powerful energy. The use of 'demonic' in English language reflects the enduring fascination with the supernatural and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

See also: demoniac, demonify, demonise, demonize, demonstrate.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,359, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.