archtempter
|arch-temp-ter|
🇺🇸
/ˈɑrtʃtɛmptər/
🇬🇧
/ˈɑːtʃtɛmptə/
chief tempter
Etymology
'archtempter' originates from the combining of the prefix 'arch-' and the noun 'tempter'. 'arch-' comes from Greek 'archi-'/'arkhē' meaning 'chief' or 'principal', while 'tempter' ultimately derives from Latin 'temptare' meaning 'to try, to test, to tempt.'
'arch-' (Greek) + Middle English 'tempter' (from Old French 'tempter' and Latin 'temptare') were combined in Modern English to form the compound 'archtempter', modeled after other 'arch-' compounds meaning 'chief or principal X.'
Initially the components meant 'chief' (arch-) and 'one who tests or tries' (temptare/tempt-). Over time the combined form came to mean 'the chief instigator of temptation,' with strong moral or theological connotations (often identifying Satan as the archtempter).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the chief or principal tempter; an ultimate instigator of temptation, often used to refer to Satan or a supremely malicious figure who leads others into sin.
The villagers whispered that the archtempter had come to lead them into sin.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/08 23:12