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Demonise: meaning, definitions and examples

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demonise

 

[ ˈdiːmənaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in social context

To portray or represent as evil or diabolical, especially in order to influence public opinion.

Synonyms

demonize, vilify, villainize

Examples of usage

  • They demonise their political opponents in order to gain support.
  • The media often demonises certain groups based on stereotypes.
Context #2 | Verb

psychological context

To make someone seem evil or to make people believe that someone is evil.

Synonyms

dehumanize, delegitimize, vilify

Examples of usage

  • The therapist helped her realize that she was demonising herself.

Translations

Translations of the word "demonise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 demonizar

🇮🇳 राक्षस बनाना

🇩🇪 dämonisieren

🇮🇩 mengutuk

🇺🇦 демонізувати

🇵🇱 demonizować

🇯🇵 悪魔化する

🇫🇷 diaboliser

🇪🇸 demonizar

🇹🇷 şeytanlaştırmak

🇰🇷 악마화하다

🇸🇦 شيطنة

🇨🇿 démonizovat

🇸🇰 démonizovať

🇨🇳 妖魔化

🇸🇮 demonizirati

🇮🇸 djöflast

🇰🇿 шайтандандыру

🇬🇪 დემონიზება

🇦🇿 şeytanlaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 demonizar

Etymology

The word 'demonise' originates from the Greek word 'daimon', which referred to a supernatural being of a lesser divine nature. Over time, the term evolved to imply portraying someone or something as evil or diabolical. The concept of demonising has been used throughout history in various contexts, including politics, psychology, and media.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,834, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.