demoniacal
|de-mo-ni-a-cal|
🇺🇸
/ˌdiːməˈnaɪəkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌdiːməˈnaɪ.əkəl/
like a demon
Etymology
'demoniacal' originates from English, specifically the word 'demoniac', where the root derives from Greek 'daimonion' meaning 'spirit' or 'divine power'.
'demoniacal' changed from the English word 'demoniac' (formed in the 16th–17th century), which itself came via Late Latin 'daemonium' from Greek 'daimonion'; over time the adjective form was produced by adding the suffix '-al' to form 'demoniacal'.
Initially it meant 'pertaining to or caused by a spirit/demon'; over time it gained figurative senses of 'extremely wicked, frenzied, or fiendish' in general use.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of a demon or demons; possessed by a demon.
The old house had a demoniacal atmosphere, and villagers whispered that spirits dwelt there.
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Adjective 2
extremely wicked, frenzied, or fiendishly violent in behavior or appearance.
He unleashed a demoniacal laugh and then began to destroy the furniture.
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Last updated: 2025/10/24 11:56