Demon

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdiː.mÉ™n/

Alternative forms

• daemon, dæmon (''typically only used today for the sense of

• daimon (''typically only used in the sense of

Origin

From Latin daemon ("lar, genius, guardian spirit"), from Ancient Greek δαίμων (daimōn, "dispenser, god, protective spirit").

Full definition of demon

Noun

1. An evil spirit.
2. A fallen angel or Satanic divinity; a false god.
3. One’s inner spirit or genius, a daimon.
4. (Greek mythology, Roman mythology) A genius, a lar, the protective spirit or godling of a place, household, or individual.
5. A foible; a flaw in a person’s character.The demon of stupidity haunts me whenever I open my mouth.
6. Someone of remarkable or diabolical energy or ability.He’s a demon at the card tables.
7. (figurative) Anything with malevolent effects.the demon drink

Usage notes

The original Greek and Roman meanings often employ synonyms or the variant spellings daimon or daemon to differentiate them from the more common ecclesiastical sense.

Synonyms

Related terms

• demonic
• demonize
• demoness