C1noun2K

Demon

UK /["/ˈdiːmən/"]/US /["/ˈdiːmən/"]/

Definition

an evil spirit

In simple words: An evil spirit or creature.

Examples

  • The people believed the girl was possessed by demons.
  • demons torturing the sinners in Hell
  • an ancient ritual to exorcise demons
  • tales of travellers attacked by evil demons
  • the demons of jealousy
  • She's had to battle her personal demons throughout her adult life.
  • He is plagued by demons which go back to his traumatic childhood.
  • He skis like a demon.
  • He’s a demon: he gets up early, he works out, he goes home early, he studies, he works out again…

Usage notes

Used in both religious and fictional contexts. Less appropriate in formal discussions, but common in horror stories, folklore, and casual conversations about movies or books.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'demon' in a scary movie, lurking in the shadows.

Collocations

  • evil
  • inner
  • personal
  • be possessed by
  • cast out
  • exorcize
  • evil
  • inner
  • personal
  • be possessed by
  • cast out
  • exorcize

Synonyms

  • fiend
  • evil spirit
  • demoness
  • devilish being
  • malefactor

Antonyms

  • angel
  • saint
  • hero

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'daemon' as in computer programs.
  • Overusing the term in non-horror contexts.
  • Mixing up 'demon' with 'devil' but they may have different connotations.