demonization
|de-mon-i-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/diˌmɛnɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/dɪˌmɒnɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
portray as evil
Etymology
'demonization' originates from English, specifically the word 'demonize' plus the suffix '-ation', where 'demon' ultimately comes from Greek 'daimon' (δαίμων) meaning 'spirit' or 'divine power' and the productive English suffix '-ize' (make/cause) together forming 'to make a demon of'.
'demonization' changed from the verb 'demonize' (formed in English in the 18th–19th centuries from 'demon' + '-ize') and was later nominalized with '-ation' to become 'demonization' in modern English; 'demon' itself comes via Latin 'daemon' from Greek 'daimon'.
Initially related to the concept of a 'spirit' (Greek 'daimon'), the sense shifted in Late Antiquity and medieval usage toward 'evil spirit' or 'demon'; in modern English the derived verb and noun have come to mean 'to portray as evil' or 'the act of portraying as evil'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action or process of portraying a person, group, idea, or entity as wicked, dangerous, or subhuman; vilification intended to elicit fear or hatred.
The demonization of migrants in the media contributed to hostile public attitudes.
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Noun 2
the process of representing an idea or practice as morally repugnant or dangerously evil, often to justify opposition or harsh measures.
Scholars warned against the demonization of political dissent, which can erode democratic norms.
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Last updated: 2025/12/17 16:19