demons - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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demons

|de-mon|

/ˈdiːmənz/

(demon)

evil spirit

Base Form	Plural	Verb	Adjective
demon	demons	demonize	demonic

Etymology

Etymology Information

'demon' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'daimon', where 'daimon' meant 'spirit' or 'divine power'.

Historical Evolution

'demon' changed from the Latin 'daemon' and passed through Late Latin/Old French and Middle English (e.g. Middle English 'demoun') to become the modern English 'demon'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'spirit' or 'divine being' (not necessarily evil); over time it specialized to mean 'an evil or malevolent spirit' in common usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

plural of 'demon': a supernatural, often malevolent, spirit or being (an evil spirit).

Many cultures have stories about demons.

Synonyms

evil spiritsfiends devils ghouls

Antonyms

angelsguardian angelssaints

Noun 2

figurative: persistent inner troubles, vices, or obsessions that torment a person (as in 'personal demons').

He struggled with his demons for years.

Synonyms